CVE-2017-3533 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Networking). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u141, 7u131 and 8u121; Java SE Embedded: 8u121; JRockit: R28.3.13. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via FTP to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit accessible data. 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 3.7 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N).
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3533 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle Java SE and JRockit components, specifically affecting the networking subsystem. This weakness resides in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, and JRockit implementations where the vulnerability manifests through the FTP protocol handling mechanism. The affected versions include Java SE 6u141, 7u131, and 8u121, along with Java SE Embedded 8u121 and JRockit R28.3.13, indicating a broad impact across multiple Java runtime environments. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit suggests that while it requires specific conditions to be successfully leveraged, the potential for compromise remains substantial given the widespread deployment of these Java versions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of FTP protocol data processing within the Java networking stack. Attackers with network access can potentially manipulate FTP communications to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data within the Java runtime environment. This flaw operates at the integrity level of the security model, allowing attackers to perform unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations against data accessible through the affected Java components. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond traditional desktop applications to include server deployments, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications often serve as critical backend services. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 3.7 with a vector of AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N indicates that while the attack requires network access and is moderately difficult to exploit, the potential for integrity compromise is significant.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends to both client and server deployments of Java applications, creating a broad attack surface for potential exploitation. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets means that even users operating within seemingly secure environments could be at risk. Additionally, the flaw can be leveraged through direct API interactions without requiring sandboxed execution contexts, broadening the attack vectors available to threat actors. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web services, making it applicable to modern cloud-based and web-hosted applications that utilize Java components. The vulnerability's presence in both client and server deployments suggests that organizations using Java applications across their infrastructure may be exposed to unauthorized data manipulation attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching affected Java installations to the latest supported versions, as Oracle has released updates addressing this vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict unnecessary FTP access to Java applications, particularly in server environments. The implementation of additional monitoring for anomalous FTP protocol behavior and unauthorized data modifications can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of their Java deployment environments to identify all instances of affected versions and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) through potential exploitation pathways that could lead to broader system compromise. Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting Java execution in untrusted environments to minimize potential attack surface.