CVE-2016-5546: High severity Oracle JDK vulnerability

Published Jan 17, 2017
·
Updated

It was discovered that the ECDSASignature class in the Libraries component of OpenJDK accepted signatures using non-canonical DER encoding. This could cause a Java application to accept signature in an incorrect format not accepted by other cryptographic tools.

Other sources

Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Libraries). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u131, 7u121 and 8u112; Java SE Embedded: 8u111; JRockit: R28.3.12. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized creation, deletion or modification access to critical data or all Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit accessible data. Note: Applies to client and server deployment of Java. This vulnerability can be exploited through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and sandboxed Java applets. It can also be exploited by supplying data to APIs in the specified Component without using sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, such as through a web service. CVSS v3.0 Base Score 7.5 (Integrity impacts).

Launchpad

Affected Software

10 affected componentsFixes available
debian/openjdk-8
8u442-ga-2
Oracle JDK=1.6-update_131
Oracle JDK=1.7-update_121
Oracle JDK=1.8-update_111
Oracle JDK=1.8-update_112
ORACLE JRE=1.6-update_131
ORACLE JRE=1.7-update_121
ORACLE JRE=1.8-update_111
ORACLE JRE=1.8-update_112
ORACLE Jrockit=r28.3.12

Event History

Jan 17, 2017
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·10:11 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jan 27, 2017
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:01 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:01 PM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·10:59 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jan 11, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·10:20 PM
Description
Sep 20, 2024
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·01:17 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2016-5546?

CVE-2016-5546 is classified as a medium severity vulnerability.

2

How do I fix CVE-2016-5546?

To fix CVE-2016-5546, update your OpenJDK or JDK/JRE to the latest version available for your system.

3

What versions of JDK are affected by CVE-2016-5546?

CVE-2016-5546 affects specific versions of Oracle JDK 6, 7, 8, and certain versions of OpenJDK and JRE.

4

What potential impact does CVE-2016-5546 have?

CVE-2016-5546 could lead to Java applications accepting malformed signatures that may compromise integrity and security.

5

Is my application at risk due to CVE-2016-5546?

If your application uses affected versions of Java and relies on the ECDSASignature class, it may be at risk due to CVE-2016-5546.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203