Java 6 Zero-Day Exploit Pushes Users to Shift to Latest Java Version

Reports of an active exploit targeting an unpatched vulnerability in Java 6 recently surfaced. Upgrading to the latest version of Java is the prescribed solution, though for some users, this is easier said than done.

The said exploit, detected by Trend Micro as JAVA_EXPLOIT.ABC, targets CVE-2013-2463 which Oracle addressed last June. Java 6 is also affected by this vulnerability, but Oracle no longer supports the version since April this year. What is more alarming is that the said exploit has been confirmed integrated into the Neutrino exploit kit threat. Previously, the said exploit kit was found to serve users with ransomware variants, which are known to lock important files and often the system itself until affected users pay a fee or “ransom”.

Since Oracle no longer supports the said version, they have not stated any intention to patch the said flaw. With more than 50% of users still using Java 6, this can lead to serious implications. Because no patch is (or will be) available, the exploit provides cybercriminals and other attackers an effective vehicle to launch attacks targeting users and organizations using Java 6. This may include the aforementioned Neutrino exploit kit and ransomware variants, which may cause serious business disruption and in some cases, actual money loss (due to users paying the ransom).

SOURCE: blog.trendmicro.com