CVE-2017-10135 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JCE). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u151, 7u141 and 8u131; Java SE Embedded: 8u131; JRockit: R28.3.14. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to critical data or complete access to all Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit accessible data. Note: This vulnerability can be exploited through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and sandboxed Java applets. It can also be exploited by supplying data to APIs in the specified Component without using sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, such as through a web service. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 5.9 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2021
This vulnerability resides within the Java Cryptography Extension (JCE) component of Oracle Java SE and JRockit runtime environments, representing a significant security flaw that affects multiple Java versions including Java SE 6u151, 7u141, 8u131, Java SE Embedded 8u131, and JRockit R28.3.14. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of cryptographic operations within the JCE framework, creating a path for attackers to bypass security restrictions that would normally protect sensitive data. The flaw is classified as difficult to exploit but remains a serious concern given the widespread deployment of affected Java versions across enterprise environments and web applications. According to the CVSS 3.0 scoring system, this vulnerability carries a base score of 5.9, reflecting high confidentiality impact and medium access complexity, with no requirement for user interaction or privilege escalation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves weaknesses in the cryptographic policy enforcement mechanisms within Java's security architecture, specifically within the JCE subsystem that manages cryptographic operations and key management. Attackers can leverage this flaw through network-based attacks using multiple protocols without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Java applications are exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability's exploitability extends beyond traditional sandboxed applications to include web services and API interactions, meaning that even applications not directly accessible through web start or applet mechanisms can be compromised. This broad attack surface aligns with CWE-310, which catalogs cryptographic weaknesses related to improper implementation of cryptographic functions and key management practices. The vulnerability's ability to compromise critical data access represents a direct violation of the confidentiality principle in the CIA triad, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive information processed by Java applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it can provide attackers with complete access to all data accessible through affected Java applications and systems. This comprehensive access capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications handle sensitive corporate data, financial information, and personal user data. The vulnerability's exploitation through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets demonstrates how attackers can bypass traditional security boundaries, while the ability to exploit it through web services and APIs shows that modern application architectures are not immune to this threat. The CVSS vector indicates that this vulnerability can be exploited remotely with high access complexity, suggesting that attackers need to possess specific technical knowledge to successfully compromise systems, though the low privilege requirements and lack of user interaction make it particularly concerning. Organizations running affected Java versions face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized system access, particularly in environments where Java applications are exposed to external networks or integrated with web services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Java installations, with organizations prioritizing updates to the latest Java SE and JRockit versions that contain fixes for the cryptographic policy enforcement issues. System administrators should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to Java applications where possible, while also considering the removal of unnecessary Java installations from systems that do not require them. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and related techniques highlights the need for monitoring and detection capabilities that can identify suspicious Java process behavior or unauthorized cryptographic operations. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to restrict which Java applications can execute on their systems, particularly in environments where Java applets or web start applications are not strictly required. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential attack vectors that could exploit similar cryptographic weaknesses in Java applications and systems. The vulnerability's characteristics align with CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms and improper cryptographic implementation, emphasizing the critical need for organizations to maintain up-to-date cryptographic implementations and regularly review their security configurations to prevent exploitation of such fundamental weaknesses in Java security frameworks.