CVE-2017-10281 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Serialization). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u161, 7u151, 8u144 and 9; Java SE Embedded: 8u144; JRockit: R28.3.15. 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 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 5.3 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10281 represents a critical serialization flaw within Oracle Java SE and JRockit components that fundamentally compromises system availability. This vulnerability resides in the serialization subsystem of Java Runtime Environment, specifically affecting versions including Java SE 6u161, 7u151, 8u144, and 9, along with Java SE Embedded 8u144 and JRockit R28.3.15. The flaw operates at the core serialization layer where Java applications deserialize data received from untrusted sources, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the deserialization process. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable stems from its accessibility through multiple network protocols and the fact that it can be triggered without authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where Java applications are deployed.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted serialized data that can be delivered via various attack vectors including Java Web Start applications, Java applets, and direct API interactions. When Java applications deserialize malicious data, the serialization mechanism can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code or trigger unintended behaviors within the Java Virtual Machine. This deserialization vulnerability specifically targets the Java Object Serialization API, which is commonly used for data exchange between applications and web services. The attack can be executed through sandboxed environments, meaning even applications that are typically restricted by security policies can be compromised. The vulnerability's impact manifests as partial denial of service conditions where the targeted Java processes become unresponsive or crash, effectively disrupting legitimate service delivery.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations deploying Java applications across their infrastructure. The ability to exploit this flaw through web services and API endpoints means that applications exposed to external networks are particularly vulnerable, as attackers can simply send malicious serialized data to trigger the vulnerability. The CVSS 3.0 score of 5.3 indicates a moderate severity level with availability impacts, though the potential for system disruption makes this threat particularly concerning for mission-critical applications. Organizations using Java SE Embedded systems face additional risk as these embedded environments often operate in resource-constrained environments where recovery from denial of service conditions may be more challenging. The vulnerability's exploitation through both sandboxed and non-sandboxed applications means that traditional security boundaries may not provide adequate protection, requiring comprehensive remediation across all Java deployment scenarios.
Security mitigations for CVE-2017-10281 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected Java versions, with Oracle releasing updates for all supported versions including Java SE 6u161, 7u151, 8u144, and 9. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks and consider disabling unnecessary deserialization functionality where possible. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-502 which specifically addresses deserialization of untrusted data as a critical weakness in software security, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application execution through Java-based attack vectors. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation for serialized data, using secure deserialization libraries, and monitoring for unusual deserialization activity patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious serialized data and ensure that Java applications are running with minimal required privileges to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.