CVE-2017-10309 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Deployment). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 8u144 and 9. Easily exploitable 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 and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Java SE accessible data as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of Java SE accessible data and unauthorized ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of Java SE. 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 7.1 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10309 resides within the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE, specifically within the Deployment subcomponent. This security flaw affects Java SE versions 8u144 and 9, representing a significant risk to systems that execute untrusted code within sandboxed environments. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage network-based attacks without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for environments where users interact with potentially malicious content from the internet. The CVSS 3.0 base score of 7.1 reflects the moderate to high severity impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains, with a vector indicating network accessibility, low attack complexity, no privilege requirements, and user interaction needed for successful exploitation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Java Deployment framework, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution environment of sandboxed applications. This flaw specifically targets Java Web Start applications and applets that operate within security sandboxes, where code from untrusted sources is typically isolated from system resources. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond the immediate Java SE component, potentially affecting additional products that rely on Java for functionality, creating cascading security implications. When exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized operations including data modification, data deletion, and unauthorized data reading within the Java SE accessible data scope, while simultaneously creating opportunities for partial denial of service conditions that can compromise system availability.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10309 manifests most significantly in client environments where Java applets or Web Start applications are frequently executed with internet-sourced code. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that maintain legacy systems or environments where user interaction with external content is common, such as financial institutions, educational platforms, or government agencies that utilize Java-based applications. The requirement for human interaction distinguishes this vulnerability from fully automated exploits, suggesting that social engineering or phishing campaigns could be leveraged to increase successful attack rates. Organizations running server-side Java applications that execute only trusted code are generally protected from this vulnerability, as the flaw specifically targets client-side sandboxed execution environments where untrusted code is loaded and executed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java SE versions to 8u144 and 9, with administrators implementing comprehensive network segmentation to limit exposure of Java-enabled systems. The deployment of additional security controls including web application firewalls, content filtering systems, and strict network access controls can provide defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers where possible, implementing strict code signing policies for Java applications, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potentially vulnerable systems. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20: Improper Input Validation, while the ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique involving exploitation of client-side vulnerabilities through social engineering and web-based attack vectors. The implementation of these mitigation measures should be complemented by user awareness training to recognize potentially malicious web content and reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation through user interaction requirements.