Oracle Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) Arbitrary Code Execution
CVE-2012-1723 is a high-severity improper access control vulnerability in JDK from Oracle, with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected JDK versions: 1.4.2_37 and earlier; 1.5.0; 1.6.0, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on March 3, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild, including in ransomware campaigns.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Icedtea6 to 1.10.8 or 1.11.3, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Read the advisory on oracle.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oracle | JDK | 1.4.2_37 and earlier; 1.5.0; 1.6.0; 1.7.0 | Not stated |
| Oracle | JRE | 1.4.2_37 and earlier; 1.5.0; 1.6.0; 1.7.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Icedtea6 | before 1.10.8; 1.11.0 up to, but not including, 1.11.3 | 1.10.8, 1.11.3 |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Desktop | 5.0; 6.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux EUS | 6.2 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Server | 5.0; 6.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Server AUS | 6.2 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Workstation | 5.0; 6.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Access vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network.
- Access complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed.
- Authentication
- NoneNo login is needed.
- Confidentiality
- CompleteAll data can be read.
- Integrity
- CompleteAny data can be modified.
- Availability
- CompleteThe system can be shut down completely.
Vector: AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 10.0 | High | NVD |
Official description
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 7 update 4 and earlier, 6 update 32 and earlier, 5 update 35 and earlier, and 1.4.2_37 and earlier allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to Hotspot.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Access Control
The product does not restrict or incorrectly restricts access to a resource from an unauthorized actor.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Compartmentalize the system to have safe areas where trust boundaries can be unambiguously drawn. Do not allow sensitive data to go outside of the trust boundary and always be careful when interfacing with a compartment outside of the safe area. Ensure that appropriate compartmentalization is built into the system design, and the compartmentalization allows for and reinforces privilege separation functionality. Architects and designers should rely on the principle of least privilege to decide the appropriate time to use privileges and the time to drop privileges.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2012-0734.htmlThird Party Advisory
- security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-201406-32.xmlThird Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2012-1723US Government Resource
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in JDK
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Access Control vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
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