Oracle Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) Arbitrary Code Execution
CVE-2012-4681 is a critical-severity improper access control vulnerability in JDK from Oracle, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected JDK versions: 1.6.0; 1.7.0. 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
- Check which version of JDK you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- 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 | 1.6.0; 1.7.0 | Not stated |
| Oracle | JRE | 1.6.0; 1.7.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Desktop | 6.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux EUS | 6.3 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Server | 6.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Workstation | 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
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 10.0 | High | NVD |
Official description
Multiple vulnerabilities in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 7 Update 6 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted applet that bypasses SecurityManager restrictions by (1) using com.sun.beans.finder.ClassFinder.findClass and leveraging an exception with the forName method to access restricted classes from arbitrary packages such as sun.awt.SunToolkit, then (2) using "reflection with a trusted immediate caller" to leverage the getField method to access and modify private fields, as exploited in the wild in August 2012 using Gondzz.class and Gondvv.class.
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
- blog.fireeye.com/research/2012/08/zero-day-season-is-not-over-yet.htmlThird Party Advisory
- marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=135109152819176&w=2Issue Tracking, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
- rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2012-1225.htmlThird Party Advisory
- us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA12-240A.htmlThird Party Advisory, US Government Resource
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2012-4681US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- immunityproducts.blogspot.com/2012/08/java-0day-analysis-cve-2012-4681.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory
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
- 10.0 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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