Risk
High
Date Discovered
October 29, 2009
Description
Sun has released updates to address multiple security vulnerabilities in Java SE.
Successful exploits may allow attackers to bypass certain security restrictions, run untrusted applets with elevated privileges, execute arbitrary code, and cause denial-of-service conditions. Other attacks are also possible.
These issues are addressed in the following releases:
JDK and JRE 6 Update 17
JDK and JRE 5.0 Update 22
SDK and JRE 1.4.2_24
SDK and JRE 1.3.1_27
Recommendations
Permit local access for trusted individuals only. Where possible, use restricted environments and restricted shells.
Provide local interactive access for trusted individuals only.Block external access at the network boundary, unless external parties require service.
If global access isn't needed, filter access to the affected computer at the network boundary. Restricting access to only trusted computers and networks might greatly reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.Deploy network intrusion detection systems to monitor network traffic for malicious activity.
Deploy NIDS to monitor network traffic for signs of anomalous or suspicious activity. This includes but is not limited to requests that include NOP sleds and unexplained incoming and outgoing traffic. This may indicate exploit attempts or activity that results from a successful exploit.
Do not accept or execute files from untrusted or unknown sources.
To limit exposure to these and other latent vulnerabilities, never handle files that originate from unfamiliar or untrusted sources.Set web browser security to disable the execution of script code or active content.
Disabling the execution of script code in the browser may limit exposure to these and other latent vulnerabilities.Implement multiple redundant layers of security.
As an added precaution, deploy memory-protection schemes (such as nonexecutable stack/heap configuration and randomly mapped memory segments). This may complicate exploits of memory-corruption vulnerabilities.Run all software as a nonprivileged user with minimal access rights.
To reduce the impact of latent vulnerabilities, run applications with the minimal amount of privileges required for functionality.
Updates are available. Please see the references for more information.
Credits
Tomasz 'Tometzky' Ostrowski, an anonymous researcher via iDefense, Peter Csepely, an anonymous researcher via ZDI, Peter Vreugdenhil, regenrecht, Coda Hale, BFK edv-consulting GmbH
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Disclaimer
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