# CVE-2012-4681: Oracle Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerability

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2012-4681-oracle-java-se-runtime-environment-jre-arbitrary-code-execution  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2022-03-03. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2012-4681 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2022-03-03

Multiple vulnerabilities in the Oracle Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) allow remote attackers to bypass SecurityManager restrictions and execute arbitrary code. The exploit involves using ClassFinder.findClass to access restricted classes and leveraging reflection to modify private fields via a crafted applet.

Technologies: [Oracle Java SE](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/java-se), [Oracle JRockit](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/jrockit). Vendors: [Oracle](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/oracle).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2012-4681 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2012-4681 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 3 March 2022. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2012-4681?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 3 March 2022.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Oracle Java SE 7 Update 6 and earlier 7 Update 6 and earlier.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2012-4681?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2012-4681 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2012-4681?** Check whether you run Oracle Java SE or Oracle JRockit. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Affected products

- Oracle Java SE 7 Update 6 and earlier 7 Update 6 and earlier

## Timeline

- 2012-08: exploited: Exploited in the wild using Gondzz.class and Gondvv.class.
- 2022-03-03: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog.

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