CVE-2017-10346 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Hotspot). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u161, 7u151, 8u144 and 9; Java SE Embedded: 8u144. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, Java SE Embedded, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java SE, Java SE Embedded. 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 9.6 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2021
This vulnerability resides within the Hotspot component of Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded, representing a critical security flaw that affects multiple version lines including Java SE 6u161, 7u151, 8u144, and 9, alongside Java SE Embedded 8u144. The vulnerability operates at the core of Java's runtime execution environment where the Hotspot virtual machine processes and executes bytecode, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring authentication. The CVSS score of 9.6 indicates a high-severity threat with significant impacts across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains, reflecting the potential for complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only network access via multiple protocols and can be executed by unauthenticated attackers, making it highly accessible to threat actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Hotspot runtime environment, specifically within the handling of untrusted code execution. Attackers can leverage this flaw through sandboxed Java Web Start applications or applets that load code from untrusted sources, bypassing the security boundaries that normally protect against malicious code execution. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond just the targeted Java components as it can potentially affect additional products that rely on these Java runtime environments, creating cascading security implications. The requirement for human interaction from a user other than the attacker indicates that social engineering or phishing techniques may be employed to deliver the malicious payload, though the underlying technical flaw remains the primary attack vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of affected Java SE and Java SE Embedded installations. This compromise allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Java runtime environment, potentially leading to full system control, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability particularly affects client-side deployments where users interact with internet-based applications, making it a significant concern for organizations with extensive client-side Java usage. Organizations running servers with trusted code execution are less vulnerable, but the potential for cross-contamination and secondary impacts remains high given the widespread use of Java across enterprise environments. The vulnerability's characteristics align with CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer) and CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) categories, reflecting fundamental flaws in memory management and input sanitization.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the latest Oracle security updates, as the vulnerability affects multiple Java versions and requires urgent remediation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Java-enabled systems to untrusted networks, particularly focusing on client-side deployments where the vulnerability is most exploitable. Application whitelisting and strict Java security policy enforcement can help prevent execution of untrusted code, while regular security assessments should verify that Java installations are properly configured to minimize attack surface. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) techniques, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures including network monitoring for suspicious Java-related traffic and endpoint detection capabilities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing security awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that may leverage this vulnerability, as the requirement for user interaction creates a human factor component that must be addressed through both technical and procedural controls.