CVE-2012-1723 Oracle Java SE: command or code injection
In plain words: The program treats text it receives as instructions instead of plain data. The attacker can run commands on the machine — often the whole device is taken over.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Mar 24, 2022
What to do
- Install Oracle's security update for Java SE. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
- Be careful with unexpected attachments — documents, .zip/.rar files and shortcuts are common bait.
- Use a normal (non-admin) account day to day and keep built-in protection like Microsoft Defender on.
Who is affected
Could reach you. Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.
What's at risk: Your files, saved passwords and accounts. Many of these let a program that is already running gain full administrator control.
The details
- Official name
- Oracle Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerability
- Product
- Oracle Java SE
- CISA description
- Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via Unknown vectors related to Hotspot.
- Type of flaw
- Command or code injection
- Confirmed exploited
- Mar 3, 2022 — known to be used in ransomware attacks
- US federal patch deadline
- Mar 24, 2022
Ask Cleus about it
Ask about a vulnerability, an update, a weird message, or the news. Plain-word answers, free, no account.
Answering about CVE-2012-1723 ·
Questions about CVE-2012-1723
Is CVE-2012-1723 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2012-1723 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Mar 3, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks, including by ransomware groups.
How do I fix CVE-2012-1723?
Install Oracle's security update for Java SE. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
Am I affected by CVE-2012-1723?
Only if you use Oracle Java SE. Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.