CVE-2017-3512 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: 7u131 and 8u121. 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 3.0 Base Score 8.3 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/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-2017-3512 represents a critical security flaw within the Java SE platform's AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) component, specifically affecting Java SE versions 7u131 and 8u121. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple cybersecurity domains and presents a significant risk to Java deployments that execute untrusted code within sandboxed environments. The flaw resides in how the AWT component handles certain graphical operations, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass security mechanisms that typically protect against malicious code execution. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions and circumstances to be successfully leveraged, the potential impact when achieved is severe and far-reaching.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the AWT subsystem, which allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that can manipulate the graphical rendering components of Java applications. This weakness specifically affects sandboxed environments where Java Web Start applications or applets execute untrusted code from internet sources, creating a vector for privilege escalation and system compromise. The vulnerability's CVSS 3.0 score of 8.3 reflects the high severity across all impact metrics, indicating that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise with potential confidentiality, integrity, and availability violations. The attack requires network access and human interaction from users who are not the attackers themselves, suggesting that social engineering or phishing techniques may be necessary to initiate the attack chain.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3512 extends beyond the immediate Java SE environment, potentially affecting additional products and systems that rely on Java for their operations. This cascading effect aligns with the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) classification for improper input validation and highlights the interconnected nature of modern software ecosystems. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can achieve complete takeover of affected Java SE installations, which represents a critical compromise that could lead to data breaches, system infiltration, and further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's applicability to client-side Java deployments that load untrusted code makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with web-based applications and content.
Organizations must implement comprehensive mitigation strategies that include immediate patching of affected Java versions, deployment of network segmentation measures to limit exposure, and enhanced monitoring of Java-related activities within their environments. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK framework techniques related to privilege escalation and execution through sandbox bypass mechanisms. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies, disabling unnecessary Java functionality, and conducting regular security assessments of Java-based applications to prevent exploitation. The recommended mitigation approach should prioritize immediate remediation of affected systems while maintaining awareness of potential indirect impacts on other software components that may depend on vulnerable Java installations, ensuring that the security posture remains robust against this and similar threats.