CVE-2017-10198 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: 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. While the vulnerability is in Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit, attacks may significantly impact additional products. 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 6.8 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N).
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2021
This vulnerability resides within the security subsystem of Oracle Java SE and related components, specifically affecting versions 6u151, 7u141, 8u131, and JRockit R28.3.14. The flaw represents a significant weakness in the Java runtime environment's access control mechanisms, allowing attackers to bypass security restrictions that normally protect sensitive data and system resources. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while sophisticated attackers could leverage it, the attack surface requires specific conditions to be met, making it less likely to be targeted by automated attacks but still dangerous when successfully exploited.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of security boundaries within the Java security framework, particularly affecting the sandboxing mechanisms that separate trusted and untrusted code execution environments. Attackers can compromise the Java runtime through multiple network protocols without requiring authentication, exploiting the fundamental security model that should prevent unauthorized access to system resources. This weakness manifests when the Java runtime fails to properly enforce access controls, potentially allowing malicious code to access critical data or gain complete access to all data accessible through the Java environment. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond the immediate Java components to potentially affect additional products that rely on Java security mechanisms, creating cascading security implications throughout enterprise environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe given that it can be exploited through various attack vectors including sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets, as well as through direct API interactions without requiring sandboxed execution contexts. This broad attack surface means that organizations running affected Java versions face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where web services or remote code execution capabilities exist. The CVSS 3.0 score of 6.8 indicates high severity with confidentiality impacts, suggesting that successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or complete data compromise. The vulnerability's ability to affect both Java SE and Java SE Embedded components means that embedded systems and server environments both face similar risks, potentially allowing attackers to access critical system information or manipulate data within the Java runtime environment.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java installations to address this vulnerability, as the difficulty of exploitation does not mitigate the potential damage that successful attacks could cause. The security implications extend to web services and application programming interfaces that may be vulnerable to exploitation through direct API calls, making comprehensive vulnerability assessment necessary. Mitigation strategies should include implementing network segmentation to limit access to Java-enabled systems, monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity related to Java exploitation attempts, and ensuring that all Java installations are updated to patched versions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, emphasizing the need for layered security approaches that include both patch management and runtime monitoring to prevent exploitation attempts.