CVE-2017-10243 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JAX-WS). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u151, 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 read access to a subset of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit accessible data and unauthorized ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. 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 6.5 (Confidentiality and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2021
This vulnerability resides within the Java Architecture for XML Web Services component of Oracle Java SE and JRockit, specifically affecting versions 6u151, 7u141, 8u131, and R28.3.14. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote exploitation without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. The vulnerability operates through multiple protocols and can be triggered through various attack vectors, including sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets, as well as direct API interactions with web services. The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the JAX-WS implementation, creating pathways for unauthorized data access and partial denial of service conditions. According to the CVSS 3.0 scoring system, this vulnerability carries a base score of 6.5, indicating high severity with low attack complexity and no required privileges, reflecting its widespread accessibility and potential impact. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation" and CWE-310, covering "Cryptographic Issues" as it relates to unauthorized access to sensitive data through weakened security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10243 extends beyond simple data confidentiality breaches, as it simultaneously introduces availability risks that can compromise system stability. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized read access to specific subsets of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, and JRockit accessible data, potentially exposing sensitive application information, configuration details, or user data. The partial denial of service component means that even successful exploitation may not completely crash the system but can significantly degrade performance or limit functionality for legitimate users. The vulnerability's exploitation through sandboxed environments particularly amplifies its danger, as it can bypass traditional security boundaries that typically protect against malicious code execution. This characteristic places the vulnerability within the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059, specifically targeting application layer execution through web services and Java-based attack surfaces. The ability to exploit this vulnerability through web services without requiring sandboxed environments makes it especially dangerous for enterprise applications that expose Java web services to external networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10243 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java installations to the latest supported versions, as Oracle released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Java applications and web services that may be vulnerable, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary Java applet and Web Start functionality in browsers, implementing strict network access controls, and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying exploitation attempts targeting JAX-WS components and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized Java applications. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly suitable for automated exploitation attempts, so organizations should also review and strengthen their incident response procedures to ensure rapid detection and remediation of potential exploitation events. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include specific checks for affected Java versions and JAX-WS implementations to maintain ongoing protection against this and similar vulnerabilities.