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Weekly Signal
Live intelligence Updated 19 Aug 2026 · 12:58 UTC

Oracle, Redhat · Java SE, Jdk, Jre +4 more

CVE-2012-4681

Oracle Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerability

Recommended action

Treat this as an immediate remediation priority. Apply updates per vendor instructions.

View response plan
CVSS9.8
EPSS98.5%
KEVYes
ExploitationConfirmed exploitation
PatchPatch or guidance available ↓

Assessment

Why it matters

CISA lists this vulnerability as known to be exploited; exploitation is confirmed; EPSS is 98.5%; technical severity is CVSS 9.8.

Multiple vulnerabilities in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 7 Update 6 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted applet that bypasses SecurityManager restrictions by (1) using com.sun.beans.finder.ClassFinder.findClass and leveraging an exception with the forName method to access restricted classes from arbitrary packages such as sun.awt.SunToolkit, then (2) using "reflection with a trusted immediate caller" to leverage the getField method to access and modify private fields, as exploited in the wild in August 2012 using Gondzz.class and Gondvv.class.

Who should care

  • Teams operating Java SE, Jdk, Jre +4 more
  • Vulnerability and exposure management teams
  • Security operations teams monitoring exploitation activity

Response plan

What I would do

  1. Confirm whether Java SE, Jdk, Jre +4 more is present in the environment.
  2. Identify affected versions and establish whether vulnerable services are exposed or reachable.
  3. Apply updates per vendor instructions.
  4. Review relevant security telemetry for evidence of attempted or successful exploitation.
  5. Document the remediation decision and track it to verified completion.

Vendor remediation

Patch and remediation links

Use the vendor source below to confirm the correct fixed version, package or mitigation for your affected product.

Technical details

CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CWE
CWE-284
Affected versions
Oracle Java SE; Oracle Jdk (Version: 1.7.0); Oracle Jre (Version: 1.7.0); Redhat Enterprise Linux Desktop (Version: 6.0); Redhat Enterprise Linux Eus (Version: 6.3); Redhat Enterprise Linux Server (Version: 6.0); Redhat Enterprise Linux Workstation (Version: 6.0)
Published
27 August 2012
Attack vector
Network
Privileges required
None
User interaction
None

Signal timeline

  1. CVE published
  2. Added to CISA KEV
  3. Latest EPSS score: 98.5%
  4. Signal calculated at 88

External references

Live public intelligence This assessment combines public-source evidence. Validate the affected product, version and exposure against your own environment before making a risk decision.