CVE-2017-3511 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JCE). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u131 and 8u121; Java SE Embedded: 8u121; JRockit: R28.3.13. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with logon to the infrastructure where Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit executes to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. Note: Applies to client and server deployment of Java. This vulnerability can be exploited through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and sandboxed Java applets. It can also be exploited by supplying data to APIs in the specified Component without using sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, such as through a web service. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 7.7 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3511 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Cryptography Extension (JCE) component of Oracle Java SE, Java SE Embedded, and JRockit platforms. This weakness exists in specific version ranges including Java SE 7u131 and 8u121, Java SE Embedded 8u121, and JRockit R28.3.13, making it particularly concerning for organizations utilizing these platforms. The vulnerability operates at the cryptographic level, specifically affecting the JCE subcomponent which handles encryption algorithms and cryptographic operations within the Java environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the cryptographic processing subsystem, allowing an attacker with local access to the target system to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 7.7 indicates a high severity rating with impacts across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains. The attack vector requires local access (AV:L) but demonstrates high complexity (AC:H) due to the specialized nature of the exploitation requirements. The vulnerability necessitates user interaction (UI:R) from someone other than the attacker, suggesting that social engineering or privilege escalation may be required to achieve successful compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond the immediate Java platforms, potentially affecting additional products that rely on Java cryptographic services. Attackers can exploit this weakness through multiple vectors including sandboxed Java Web Start applications, sandboxed Java applets, and direct API data injection without requiring sandboxed execution environments. This broad attack surface increases the likelihood of successful exploitation in various deployment scenarios, whether client or server-side. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited through web services and APIs makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications interact with external systems.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through patch management processes, ensuring all affected Java installations are updated to versions that address the cryptographic validation weaknesses. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-250 (Execution with Unnecessary Privileges) and its alignment with ATT&CK techniques such as privilege escalation and code injection further emphasizes the need for comprehensive security measures. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit local system access, while monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous cryptographic operations or unauthorized code execution attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of Java cryptographic components to prevent exploitation of similar weaknesses in the future.