CVE-2017-10274 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Smart Card IO). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u161, 7u151, 8u144 and 9. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized creation, deletion or modification access to critical data or all Java SE accessible data as well as unauthorized access to critical data or complete access to all Java SE 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 6.8 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N).
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10274 resides within the Java SE component of Oracle's Java platform, specifically within the Smart Card IO subcomponent. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that affects multiple Java SE versions including 6u161, 7u151, 8u144, and 9, demonstrating the widespread nature of the issue across different Java release lines. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions for successful exploitation, the potential impact remains severe enough to warrant immediate attention. The attack vector requires network access and can be executed through multiple protocols, making it accessible across various network environments and potentially complicating defensive measures.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation mechanisms within the Smart Card IO functionality that processes data from external sources. When Java applications execute in sandboxed environments such as Java Web Start applications or applets, they rely heavily on the security boundaries provided by the Java sandbox to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. The flaw allows attackers to bypass these security mechanisms through carefully crafted inputs that exploit the insufficient validation controls in the Smart Card IO component. This exploitation requires human interaction from users who are not the attackers themselves, suggesting that social engineering or user deception plays a crucial role in successful compromise scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10274 extends beyond simple data access violations to encompass complete modification capabilities of critical system data. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can achieve unauthorized creation, deletion, or modification access to all Java SE accessible data, effectively undermining the integrity and confidentiality of the affected systems. The CVSS 3.0 base score of 6.8 reflects the substantial risk posed by this vulnerability, with high impacts to both confidentiality and integrity. The vector notation (AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N) confirms that the attack requires network access with high complexity, no authentication prerequisites, and user interaction, while the scope remains unchanging, indicating the vulnerability affects the same security scope as the vulnerable component.
This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and persistence through code injection techniques. The attack scenario typically involves users executing untrusted code within sandboxed Java environments, where the vulnerability allows attackers to break out of the intended security boundaries. Organizations running Java Web Start applications or applets that load code from untrusted sources face the highest risk, as these deployment models rely heavily on the Java sandbox for protection. The vulnerability's applicability specifically excludes server deployments that run only trusted code, indicating that properly configured server environments with strict code access controls remain relatively unaffected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10274 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java SE versions to the latest available updates from Oracle. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable Java installations, particularly in client environments where sandboxed applications are commonly executed. Security configurations should enforce strict code signing requirements and disable unnecessary Java applet and Web Start functionality where possible. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the risks of executing untrusted code and the importance of verifying code sources before execution. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual network activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that Java installations are properly configured and that sandboxed environments maintain their security boundaries. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the inherent risks associated with running untrusted code in sandboxed environments.