CVE-2017-10125 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Deployment). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u141 and 8u131. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows physical access to compromise Java SE. While the vulnerability is in Java SE, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java SE. Note: Applies to deployment of Java where the Java Auto Update is enabled. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 7.1 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:P/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10125 resides within the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE, specifically within the Deployment subcomponent. This flaw affects Java SE versions 7u141 and 8u131, representing critical security gaps that can be exploited by adversaries with physical access to targeted systems. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack vector is not trivial, it remains a significant threat when combined with physical access capabilities. The CVSS 3.0 base score of 7.1 reflects the substantial impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains, with the vector AV:P/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H indicating physical access requirements, high attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction needed, and a complete system scope impact.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the Java Auto Update feature's deployment mechanism, which creates a pathway for exploitation when enabled on affected systems. The deployment process in Java SE handles various components including automatic updates, which can be manipulated through physical access to execute malicious code or gain unauthorized control over the Java runtime environment. This weakness manifests when the Java Auto Update functionality is active, allowing attackers to potentially compromise the entire Java SE installation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond the immediate Java SE component, as successful exploitation can affect additional products that rely on Java runtime environments, creating cascading security implications throughout enterprise infrastructures. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that many applications and systems depend on Java for their operation, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10125 is severe and multifaceted, potentially leading to full system compromise through Java SE takeover. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the Java runtime environment, effectively granting them complete control over the affected system's Java capabilities. The confidentiality impact is high as attackers can potentially access sensitive data processed through Java applications, while integrity is compromised through unauthorized modifications to Java runtime components or application data. Availability is similarly threatened as attackers could disrupt Java services or corrupt system resources. The complete system scope (S:C) indicates that successful exploitation can result in broader environmental impacts beyond just the Java SE component, potentially affecting network services, applications, and other system resources that depend on Java functionality. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access control issues, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Java-based command execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10125 should focus on immediate remediation through Oracle's official security patches, as the vulnerability requires physical access for exploitation and is specifically tied to Java Auto Update functionality. Organizations should disable Java Auto Update features on systems where physical security cannot be guaranteed, particularly in environments where unauthorized physical access is possible. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of Java-enabled systems to untrusted environments. System administrators should consider disabling Java runtime components entirely on systems where they are not required, following the principle of least privilege. Security monitoring should include detection of Java Auto Update activities and unusual Java process behaviors that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that Java installations are properly patched and that Auto Update features are appropriately configured to prevent unauthorized exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as requiring physical access means that physical security measures including access controls, surveillance, and secure facility management become critical components of the overall security posture. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for suspicious Java-related activities and potential exploitation attempts.