HP has released a security bulletin and updated software to address the Oracle Java SE Java sandbox remote security bypass vulnerability.
Description
Oracle Java SE contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass security restrictions and execute arbitrary code on a targeted system.
The vulnerability is due to improper processing of certain user-supplied files. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to open a malicious Java applet. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the user.
Functional code that exploits this vulnerability is available as part of the Metasploit framework.
Oracle has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.
Warning Indicators
The following Oracle products are vulnerable:
JDK and JRE 7 Update 4 and earlier
JDK and JRE 6 Update 32 and earlier
JDK and JRE 5.0 Update 35 and earlier
SDK and JRE 1.4.2_37 and earlier
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit the vulnerability, the attacker may provide a link that directs a user to a malicious site and use misleading language or instructions to persuade the user to follow the provided link.
A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. If the user holds elevated privileges, code execution could allow the attacker to cause a complete system compromise.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to bypass security restrictions and execute arbitrary code on a targeted system with the privileges of the user.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is in a field lookup code of the HotSpot Java Virtual Machine (JVM). The affected component could fail to perform checks on accessibility rules on static or nonstatic variable mismatch.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to open a Java applet that contains malicious class files. When processing the applet, the JVM may improperly check the classes, allowing the attacker to bypass sandbox security restrictions and execute arbitrary code on the system in a privileged security context.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Users are advised not to open unsolicited e-mail attachments. Users should verify that attachments are safe before opening them.
Administrators are advised to monitor affected systems.
Patches/Software
Oracle has released patches for registered users at the following link: Oracle
Apple has released updated software at the following links:
Version 3, August 7, 2012, 3:27 PM: Functional code that demonstrates an exploit of the Oracle Java SE Java sandbox remote security bypass vulnerability is publicly available.
Version 2, June 25, 2012, 2:55 PM: Red Hat has released additional security advisories and updated packages to address the Oracle Java SE Java sandbox remote security bypass vulnerability.
Version 1, June 15, 2012, 8:52 AM: Oracle Java SE contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass security restrictions and execute arbitrary code. Updates are available.
10.6 Intel, PPC | 10.6.1 Intel, PPC | 10.6.2 Base | 10.6.3 Base | 10.6.4 Base | 10.6.5 Base | 10.6.6 Base | 10.6.7 Base | 10.6.8 Base | 10.7 Base | 10.7.1 Base | 10.7.2 Base | 10.7.3 Base | 10.7.4 Base
Apple
Mac OS X Server
10.6 Intel, PPC | 10.6.1 Intel, PPC | 10.6.2 Base | 10.6.3 Base | 10.6.4 Base | 10.6.5 Base | 10.6.6 Base | 10.6.7 Base | 10.6.8 Base | 10.7 Base | 10.7.1 Base | 10.7.2 Base | 10.7.3 Base | 10.7.4 Base
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Workstation Supplementary
6 IA-32, x86_64
Red Hat, Inc.
RHEL Supplementary
5 IA-32, x86_64
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