CVE-2016-5548: Medium severity Oracle JDK vulnerability
A covert timing channel flaw was found in the DSA implementation in the Libraries component of OpenJDK. A remote attacker able to make a Java application generate DSA signatures on demand could possibly use this flaw to extract certain information about the used key via a timing side channel.
Other sources
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Libraries). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u131, 7u121 and 8u112; Java SE Embedded: 8u111. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to critical data or complete access to all Java SE, Java SE Embedded accessible data. Note: This vulnerability applies to Java deployments, typically in clients running sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, that load and run untrusted code (e.g., code that comes from the internet) and rely on the Java sandbox for security. This vulnerability does not apply to Java deployments, typically in servers, that load and run only trusted code (e.g., code installed by an administrator). CVSS v3.0 Base Score 6.5 (Confidentiality impacts).
— Launchpad
Affected Software
Remediation
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2016-5548?
CVE-2016-5548 is classified as a medium-severity vulnerability due to the risk of information disclosure via timing attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2016-5548?
To fix CVE-2016-5548, update to the latest patched version of OpenJDK or Oracle JDK/JRE as specified in the vendor advisories.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2016-5548?
CVE-2016-5548 affects OpenJDK 8u432-b06-2 and several specific versions of Oracle JDK and JRE including 1.6-update_131, 1.7-update_121, and 1.8-update_111 and 1.8-update_112.
Can CVE-2016-5548 be exploited remotely?
Yes, CVE-2016-5548 can be exploited remotely if an attacker can induce a Java application to generate DSA signatures.
What impact does CVE-2016-5548 have on security?
CVE-2016-5548 poses a risk of exposure of sensitive cryptographic key information through a covert timing channel.