CVE-2017-10176 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Security). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u141 and 8u131; Java SE Embedded: 8u131; JRockit: R28.3.14. Easily exploitable 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 7.5 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10176 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE and JRockit components that affects multiple Java runtime environments. This vulnerability resides in the Security subcomponent of Java SE and Java SE Embedded, specifically targeting versions 7u141 and 8u131 for Java SE, 8u131 for Java SE Embedded, and R28.3.14 for JRockit. The flaw demonstrates characteristics that align with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive data without proper authentication or authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability's exploitability score of 7.5 on the CVSS 3.0 scale indicates a high-risk threat that can be executed without requiring user interaction or privileged access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where Java applications are widely deployed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper access controls within the Java security framework, allowing attackers to bypass sandbox restrictions that normally protect against unauthorized data access. This weakness enables exploitation through multiple network protocols, making it highly versatile in attack scenarios. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited via both sandboxed Java Web Start applications and sandboxed Java applets demonstrates how attackers can leverage legitimate application interfaces to gain unauthorized access. Additionally, the flaw can be triggered through direct API calls to the affected component without requiring sandboxed execution environments, which significantly expands the attack surface. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK matrix under the T1059 technique category, specifically targeting application layer exploitation methods.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10176 extends beyond simple data theft to potentially enable complete system compromise through unauthorized access to all Java SE, Java SE Embedded, and JRockit accessible data. This comprehensive access level represents a severe confidentiality breach that could expose sensitive enterprise information, intellectual property, or personal data stored within Java applications. Organizations running affected Java versions face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses due to unauthorized data access. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation means that attackers with minimal technical expertise can potentially compromise systems, making it particularly concerning for organizations with limited security monitoring capabilities. The CVSS vector analysis confirms this risk level with a base score of 7.5, indicating high confidentiality impact without modifications to integrity or availability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Java versions to the latest security releases provided by Oracle. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Java applications and consider disabling unnecessary Java functionality where possible. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting Java application access to only necessary resources and data. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious network activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Java versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The vulnerability's characteristics suggest that organizations should also review their Java application deployment practices to minimize the exposure of vulnerable components to untrusted networks and users, implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting and network firewalls to protect against potential exploitation attempts.