CVE-2025-50059 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2025
Vulnerability in the Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM for JDK, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition product of Oracle Java SE (component: Networking). Supported versions that are affected are Oracle Java SE: 8u451-perf, 11.0.27, 17.0.15, 21.0.7, 24.0.1; Oracle GraalVM for JDK: 17.0.15, 21.0.7 and 24.0.1; Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition: 21.3.14. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM for JDK, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition. While the vulnerability is in Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM for JDK, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition, attacks may significantly impact additional products (scope change). Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to critical data or complete access to all Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM for JDK, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition 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 3.1 Base Score 8.6 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2025
This vulnerability resides within the networking component of Oracle Java SE and its related GraalVM implementations, representing a critical security flaw that affects multiple version streams including Java SE 8u451-perf, 11.0.27, 17.0.15, 21.0.7, and 24.0.1, alongside corresponding GraalVM versions. The flaw manifests as an easily exploitable weakness that requires no authentication and can be triggered through network-based attacks across various protocols, making it particularly dangerous for environments where untrusted code execution is permitted. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-250 indicates improper privilege management or access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized data access, while its operational characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in software applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Java networking stack that processes incoming data from network sources. When Java applications execute in sandboxed environments such as Java Web Start or applet contexts, they rely on the security boundaries provided by the Java sandbox to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. However, this vulnerability bypasses those protective measures, enabling attackers to access critical data within the Java runtime environment. The impact extends beyond the immediate Java components to potentially affect other products that depend on these Java implementations, demonstrating the scope change characteristic noted in the vulnerability description. The CVSS score of 8.6 reflects the high severity of confidentiality impacts, where attackers can achieve complete access to all data accessible through the vulnerable Java installations.
Deployment scenarios most at risk include client-side applications where users execute untrusted code downloaded from the internet, such as web-based applets or Java Web Start applications. Server-side deployments that execute only trusted code are generally unaffected by this vulnerability, as the attack vector specifically targets sandboxed environments where untrusted code execution is permitted. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that it does not require user interaction or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for environments where network exposure is inevitable. Organizations using Java-based applications in client environments must carefully evaluate their security posture and consider immediate mitigation strategies to prevent potential data breaches. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by its ability to compromise entire data stores accessible through the Java runtime, potentially exposing sensitive information that applications might otherwise protect through proper sandboxing mechanisms.
Recommended mitigation strategies include immediate patching of affected Java versions, implementing network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable Java installations, and modifying application deployment policies to avoid running untrusted code in sandboxed environments. Organizations should also consider disabling Java applet support and Web Start functionality where possible, as these features represent the primary attack vectors for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments of Java-based applications can ensure that proper sandboxing mechanisms remain effective against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that reduce the attack surface available to potential adversaries targeting Java-based applications.