CVE-2017-10193 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Security). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u151, 7u141 and 8u131; Java SE Embedded: 8u131. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of Java SE, Java SE Embedded accessible data. Note: This vulnerability applies to Java deployments, typically in clients running sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, that load and run untrusted code (e.g., code that comes from the internet) and rely on the Java sandbox for security. This vulnerability does not apply to Java deployments, typically in servers, that load and run only trusted code (e.g., code installed by an administrator). CVSS 3.0 Base Score 3.1 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10193 represents a security flaw within Oracle's Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, specifically affecting the Security subcomponent. This issue impacts multiple version lines including Java SE 6u151, 7u141, and 8u131, alongside Java SE Embedded 8u131, making it a widespread concern across various Java deployment scenarios. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions to be successfully leveraged, the potential impact on system security remains significant. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system assigns a base score of 3.1, reflecting the low complexity and the specific confidentiality impact that this vulnerability can cause. The vector notation AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N clearly defines the attack surface as network-based, requiring high attack complexity, no privilege requirements, and user interaction, while maintaining an unscoped impact that specifically affects confidentiality.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the Java sandboxing mechanisms that are designed to isolate untrusted code executed within Java Web Start applications or applets. When these applications load and execute code from untrusted sources, typically from internet-based origins, the security boundaries established by the Java sandbox can be circumvented through this particular flaw. The vulnerability operates at a level where it can enable unauthorized read access to sensitive data within the Java SE environment, though it does not permit modification of system state or execution of arbitrary code directly. This makes it particularly dangerous in scenarios where the Java applications handle sensitive information, as the attacker can extract data without leaving obvious traces of compromise. The requirement for human interaction indicates that the exploitation typically involves social engineering elements where users must perform specific actions such as clicking on malicious links or downloading infected content.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10193 manifests primarily through data confidentiality breaches in environments where Java applications process sensitive information. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can access a subset of data that would normally be protected by the Java sandbox security model, potentially exposing proprietary information, personal data, or other confidential assets. The vulnerability's applicability is limited to client-side deployments where untrusted code execution occurs, meaning server-side Java implementations that run only trusted code remain unaffected. This distinction aligns with the ATT&CK framework's concept of sandbox evasion techniques, where adversaries attempt to bypass security controls that would normally protect against malicious code execution. The vulnerability's impact is categorized as low to moderate severity due to the limited scope of data access rather than full system compromise, yet the potential for data exfiltration makes it a significant concern for organizations relying on Java-based applications for business-critical operations.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies addressing this vulnerability through multiple layers of security controls. The primary recommendation involves updating affected Java installations to patched versions, as Oracle has released security updates specifically addressing this flaw. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of Java applications to untrusted network sources. The use of application whitelisting and strict execution policies can help prevent the execution of potentially malicious Java code even if the vulnerability is exploited. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted downloads and suspicious web content, as the human interaction component makes social engineering attacks particularly effective. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on network protocols commonly used by Java applications. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly relevant to the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) classification system, specifically relating to weaknesses in sandboxing mechanisms and improper access control within application security models. Security teams should also consider implementing regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate similar issues in their Java-based infrastructure.