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Security of the Java software platform

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The Java software platform and programming language have been criticized for vulnerability in security.

History

2012

An OS X trojan referred to as Flashback exploited a vulnerability in Java, which had not been patched by Apple, although Oracle had already released a patch.[1] In April, Apple later released a removal tool for Lion users without Java.[2] With Java 7 Update 4, Oracle began to release Java directly for Lion and later.[3]

In October, Apple released an update that removed the Java plugin from all browsers.[4] This was seen as a move by Apple to distance OS X from Java.[5]

2013

In January, a zero-day vulnerability was found in all versions of Java 7, including the latest version Java 7 Update 10, which was already exploited in the wild.[6] The vulnerability was caused by a patch to fix an earlier vulnerability.[7] In response, Apple blacklisted the latest version of the Java plugin.[8] Oracle released a patch (Update 11) within three days.[9] Microsoft also released a patch for Internet Explorer versions 6, 7, and 8.[10]

Cyberespionage malware Red October was found exploiting a Java vulnerability that was patched in October 2011.[11] The website for Reporters Without Borders was also compromised by a Java vulnerability in versions prior to Update 11.[12]

After the release of Update 11, another vulnerability began circulating online,[13] which was later confirmed.[14] It was also found that Java's security mode itself was vulnerable due to a bug.[15] In response, Mozilla disabled Java (as well as Adobe Reader and Microsoft Silverlight) in Firefox by default,[16] while Apple blacklisted the latest Java plugin again.[17]

In February, Twitter reported that it had shut down an attack. Twitter advised users to disable Java, although it did not explain why.[18] Later in the month, Facebook reported that it had been hacked by a zero-day Java attack.[19] Apple also reported an attack.[20] It was found that a breach of an iPhone developer forum was used to attack Twitter, Facebook, and Apple.[21] The forum itself was unaware of the breach.[22] Following Twitter, Facebook, and Apple, Microsoft reported that it was also similarly compromised.[23]

Another vulnerability discovered allowed for the Java security sandbox to be completely bypassed in the original release of Java 7, as well as Updates 11 and 15.[24] In March, trojan called McRat was found exploiting a zero-day Java vulnerability.[25] Oracle then released another patch to address the vulnerability.[26]

See also

References

  1. ^ http://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/04/mac-trojan-exploits-unpatched-java-vulnerability-no-password-needed/
  2. ^ http://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/04/flashback-malware-removal-tool-for-java-less-mac-users/
  3. ^ http://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/04/oracle-updates-java-to-se-7-for-os-x-brings-full-jdk-support/
  4. ^ http://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/10/apple-removes-java-from-all-os-x-web-browsers/
  5. ^ http://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/12/where-os-x-security-stands-after-a-volatile-2012/
  6. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/01/critical-java-zero-day-bug-is-being-massively-exploited-in-the-wild/
  7. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/01/critical-java-vulnerability-made-possible-by-earlier-incomplete-patch/
  8. ^ http://arstechnica.com/apple/2013/01/apple-blacklists-java-on-os-x-to-prevent-latest-critical-exploits/
  9. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/01/oracle-patches-widespread-java-zero-day-bug-in-just-three-days-that-is/
  10. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/01/microsoft-releases-emergency-update-to-patch-internet-explorer-bug/
  11. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/01/massive-espionage-malware-relied-on-java-exploit-to-infect-pcs/
  12. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/01/just-patched-java-ie-bugs-used-to-snare-human-rights-sites/
  13. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/01/5000-will-buy-you-access-to-another-new-critical-java-vulnerability/
  14. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/01/critical-java-vulnerabilies-confirmed-in-latest-version/
  15. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/01/javas-new-very-high-security-mode-cant-protect-you-from-malware/
  16. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/01/firefox-to-block-content-based-on-java-reader-and-silverlight/
  17. ^ http://arstechnica.com/apple/2013/01/for-second-time-in-a-month-apple-blacklists-java-web-plug-in/
  18. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/02/twitter-detects-and-shuts-down-password-data-hack-in-progress/
  19. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/02/facebook-computers-compromised-by-zero-day-java-exploit/
  20. ^ http://arstechnica.com/apple/2013/02/apple-hq-also-targeted-by-hackers-will-release-tool-to-protect-customers/
  21. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/02/web-forum-for-iphone-developers-hosted-malware-that-hacked-facebook/
  22. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/02/dev-site-behind-apple-facebook-hacks-didnt-know-it-was-booby-trapped/
  23. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/02/microsoft-joins-apple-facebook-and-twitter-comes-out-as-hack-victim/
  24. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/02/javas-latest-security-problems-new-flaw-identified-old-one-attacked/
  25. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/03/another-java-zero-day-exploit-in-the-wild-actively-attacking-targets/
  26. ^ http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/03/oracle-releases-new-java-patch-to-address-this-weeks-mcrat-problem/
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