CVE-2017-10348 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Libraries). 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 of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) 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 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 described in CVE-2017-10348 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, specifically targeting the Libraries subcomponent of the Java Runtime Environment. This vulnerability affects multiple version lines including Java SE 6u161, 7u151, 8u144, and 9, as well as Java SE Embedded 8u144, making it a widespread concern across various Java deployment scenarios. The flaw resides in the way these Java implementations handle certain library operations, creating a pathway for exploitation that bypasses traditional security boundaries. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring specialized skills or privileged access, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where Java applications are frequently deployed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Java libraries that process untrusted input data. Attackers can exploit this weakness through multiple network protocols, allowing them to compromise the target systems without authentication requirements. The vulnerability operates within the context of sandboxed Java applications, specifically targeting Web Start applications and applets that execute untrusted code from external sources. This exploitation model aligns with common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under techniques related to code injection and privilege escalation within sandboxed environments. The vulnerability's impact manifests as a partial denial of service condition, where the Java runtime environment experiences degraded functionality or restricted availability, though not complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations that deploy Java applications in client environments where users might encounter untrusted code from the internet. The attack vector through multiple protocols means that defenders must consider various network entry points, including HTTP, HTTPS, and other communication channels that Java applications might utilize. The vulnerability's applicability to sandboxed environments specifically highlights the importance of understanding how Java's security model functions, as these deployments rely heavily on the sandbox for protection. Organizations with server-side Java implementations that run only trusted code are not directly affected, but the broader ecosystem of Java-dependent applications remains at risk. The CVSS 3.0 score of 5.3 reflects the moderate severity of the availability impact, though the partial denial of service can severely disrupt business operations in environments where Java applications are critical.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10348 require immediate patching of affected Java versions, with particular attention to the supported release lines mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Java applications and reduce the attack surface where possible. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual network activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around the protocols and ports used by Java applications. The mitigation approach aligns with industry best practices outlined in CWE categories related to input validation and secure coding practices, emphasizing the need for proper bounds checking and validation of input data. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted Java code and reduce reliance on the sandbox security model. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining Java installations that might be vulnerable to similar attacks, ensuring comprehensive protection across the entire Java ecosystem.