CVE-2017-3509 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Networking). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u141, 7u131 and 8u121; Java SE Embedded: 8u121. Difficult to exploit 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. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Java SE, Java SE Embedded accessible data as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of Java SE, Java SE Embedded accessible data. 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 4.2 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3509 resides within the networking subsystem of Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple version streams including Java SE 6u141, 7u131, 8u121 and Java SE Embedded 8u121. This flaw operates at the network protocol level and demonstrates characteristics of a remote code execution vector that requires minimal privileges for exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it can be leveraged by remote attackers, it requires specific conditions and circumstances to be successfully exploited. The attack vector specifically requires network access via multiple protocols, suggesting that the vulnerability could be triggered through various network communication channels that Java SE supports.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of network protocol data within the Java networking stack, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate data flows and potentially execute unauthorized operations. The vulnerability's impact extends to both confidentiality and integrity aspects of the affected systems, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to perform unauthorized data modifications including updates, inserts, and deletes against accessible Java SE data stores. Additionally, the vulnerability permits unauthorized read access to subsets of data that Java SE and Java SE Embedded systems can access, creating potential for data exfiltration and information disclosure. This particular vulnerability operates within the context of sandboxed environments where untrusted code execution is permitted, making it especially dangerous in web-based application scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3509 manifests primarily in client-side environments where Java Web Start applications or applets operate within sandboxed security boundaries. These deployment scenarios typically involve users downloading and executing code from untrusted sources, such as internet-based applications, making them particularly vulnerable to this type of attack. The requirement for human interaction from someone other than the attacker indicates that while the vulnerability can be exploited remotely, it likely requires user engagement such as clicking on malicious links, opening compromised attachments, or visiting malicious websites that trigger the vulnerable code path. This human interaction requirement, while making exploitation more challenging, does not eliminate the threat as social engineering techniques can easily facilitate such interactions. The vulnerability's applicability to client-side deployments rather than server-side environments reflects the distinction between trusted and untrusted code execution contexts, where server deployments typically operate under more stringent security controls and administrative oversight.
The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 4.2 reflects the moderate severity of this vulnerability, with a base score that considers the network accessibility, high attack complexity, and the requirement for user interaction. The vector notation AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N indicates that while the attack can be conducted remotely without authentication requirements, the complexity of exploitation is high, and the impact on system integrity and confidentiality is limited but still significant. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation" and relates to the broader category of network protocol handling vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation through exploitation of software vulnerabilities and can be categorized under initial access and execution phases of the attack lifecycle. Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including regular patching, network segmentation, application whitelisting, and user education programs to reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly relevant to organizations that deploy Java-based applications in client environments where user interaction with untrusted content is common, emphasizing the need for layered security approaches that address both technical and human factors in the security ecosystem.
The specific nature of this vulnerability highlights the ongoing challenges in securing complex software platforms like Java, where the networking stack must handle diverse protocols and communication patterns while maintaining security boundaries. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple Java SE versions underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all deployed environments. Organizations must recognize that while this vulnerability may not be easily exploited, its potential impact on data integrity and confidentiality makes it a significant concern for security-conscious deployments. The vulnerability's characteristics also demonstrate the inherent risks associated with sandboxed execution environments where the security model relies on proper implementation of access controls and protocol validation mechanisms. Proper monitoring and detection capabilities should be implemented to identify potential exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where Java applications are frequently accessed through web interfaces or other network-based delivery mechanisms.