CVE-2017-3260 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: AWT). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u121 and 8u112. 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 and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover 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 v3.0 Base Score 8.3 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3260 represents a critical security flaw within the Java SE platform's AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) component, specifically affecting Java SE versions 7u121 and 8u112. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-254, classified as a "Weakness in WSDL" or more specifically related to improper access control mechanisms within graphical user interface components. The flaw exists in the way Java SE handles certain AWT operations that are typically executed within sandboxed environments, creating a pathway for malicious code execution that bypasses expected security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of AWT component parameters during rendering operations, allowing attackers to manipulate the Java runtime environment through carefully crafted inputs. The attack vector requires network access and can be initiated through multiple protocols, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Java Web Start applications or applets are executed in sandboxed contexts. The vulnerability's exploitability difficulty rating indicates it requires some level of social engineering or human interaction, as successful exploitation typically depends on users executing malicious code within the Java sandbox environment. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for exploitation for client execution, as the attack chain involves user interaction with potentially malicious Java applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple compromise of the Java SE environment, potentially affecting entire systems that rely on Java for application execution. The CVSS v3.0 base score of 8.3 reflects the high severity of the attack, indicating significant impacts to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain complete control over the affected Java SE runtime environment, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability particularly affects client-side deployments where untrusted code is executed, such as in web browsers running Java applets or in Java Web Start applications that download and execute code from remote servers.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Java SE, disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers, and implementing network-level controls to restrict Java-related traffic. The vulnerability's applicability to sandboxed environments makes it particularly concerning for organizations that allow users to execute untrusted Java code, and administrators should consider disabling Java applets entirely in browser environments. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and network segmentation can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to Java-related network traffic and user behavior patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.