CVE-2017-3539 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Security). 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. 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 3.1 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3539 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, specifically affecting the Security subcomponent. This vulnerability manifests in versions Java SE 6u141, 7u131, and 8u121, alongside Java SE Embedded 8u121, creating a widespread risk across multiple Java runtime environments. The security implications are particularly concerning given that this vulnerability operates under a low exploitability profile with a CVSS 3.0 base score of 3.1, indicating a moderate severity level that primarily impacts integrity rather than confidentiality or availability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Java security framework, allowing attackers to potentially manipulate data through network-based attacks without requiring authentication. The attack vector requires network access via multiple protocols, making it accessible across various communication channels. What distinguishes this vulnerability is its requirement for human interaction from an unwitting user, suggesting that successful exploitation typically occurs when users interact with malicious content within sandboxed Java applications. This characteristic aligns with CWE-284 access control weaknesses and follows patterns commonly associated with sandbox escape techniques documented in cybersecurity literature.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3539 extends to unauthorized modification of data within Java SE and Java SE Embedded environments, specifically enabling unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations on accessible data. The vulnerability's applicability is limited to client-side deployments where untrusted code is executed within sandboxed environments, such as Java Web Start applications or applets loaded from internet sources. This restriction means that server-side Java deployments running only trusted code remain unaffected, which is consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application layer execution. The vulnerability's impact on integrity is particularly concerning for applications that rely on Java sandboxing for security isolation, as it undermines the fundamental security model that separates trusted and untrusted code execution.
Organizations and security practitioners should implement several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary recommendation involves immediate patching of affected Java installations to the latest supported versions, which would eliminate the vulnerability entirely. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential attack surface, particularly for environments where Java applications might be exposed to untrusted content. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual data modification patterns and unauthorized access attempts within Java-based applications. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-284 and its alignment with ATT&CK framework techniques emphasize the importance of maintaining proper access controls and implementing robust application sandboxing measures. Organizations should also consider disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers and implementing strict content filtering policies to prevent execution of potentially malicious Java applets from untrusted sources. The requirement for human interaction suggests that user education and awareness programs should be enhanced to prevent accidental exploitation through social engineering attacks that might lead users to interact with malicious Java content.