Java Runtime Environment (JRE) version 6 STIG for Windows 7

Java applets exist both signed and unsigned. Even for signed applets, there can be many sources, some of which may be purveyors of malware. Applet sources considered trusted can have their information populated into the browser, enabling Java to validate applets against trusted sources. Permitting execution of signed Java applets from un-trusted sources may result in acquiring malware, and risks system modification, invasion of privacy, or denial of service. DCBP-1

Java applets exist in both signed and unsigned forms. Although signed applets allow for authentication of the author in order to establish trust, even signed applets can potentially contain malware. Applet sources considered trusted will normally have their certificate information populated into the browser. This enables Java to validate applets against trusted sources automatically. Permitting users to grant execution permissions to Java applets signed by un-trusted authorities may result in malware executing on the system. This risks system confidentiality, integrity and availability. Ensuring users cannot change settings contributes to a more consistent security profile. DCBP-1

A certificate revocation list is a directory which contains a list of certificates that have been revoked for various reasons. Certificates may be revoked due to improper issuance, compromise of the certificate, and failure to adhere to policy. Therefore, any certificate found on a CRL should not be trusted. Permitting execution of an applet published with a revoked certificate may result in spoofing, malware, system modification, invasion of privacy, and denial of service. DCBP-1

Certificates may be revoked due to improper issuance, compromise of the certificate, and failure to adhere to policy. Therefore, any certificate found revoked on a CRL or via Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP) should not be trusted. Permitting execution of an applet published with a revoked certificate may result in spoofing, malware, system modification, invasion of privacy, and denial of service. Ensuring users cannot change these settings assures a more consistent security profile. DCBP-1

Online certificate validation provides a real-time option to validate a certificate. When enabled, if a certificate is presented, the status of the certificate is requested. The status is sent back as 'current', 'expired', or 'unknown'. Online certificate validation provides a greater degree of validation of certificates when running a signed Java applet. Permitting execution of an applet with an invalid certificate may result in malware, system modification, invasion of privacy, and denial of service. DCBP-1

Online certificate validation provides a real-time option to validate a certificate. When enabled, if a certificate is presented, the status of the certificate is requested. The status is sent back as 'current', 'expired', or 'unknown'. Online certificate validation provides a greater degree of validation of certificates when running a signed Java applet. Permitting execution of an applet with an invalid certificate may result in malware, system modification, invasion of privacy, and denial of service. Ensuring users cannot change settings contributes to a more consistent security profile. System AdministratorDCBP-1

This configuration file must hold values of the location of the deployment.properties file, as well as the enforcement of these properties. Without a proper path for the properties file, deployment would not be possible. If the path specified does not lead to a properties file the value of the 'deployment.system.config. mandatory' key determines how to handle the situation. If the value of this key is true, JRE will not run if the path to the properties file is invalid. DCBP-1

The deployment.config file is used for specifying the location and execution of system-level properties for the Java Runtime Environment. By default no deployment.config file exists; thus, no system-wide deployment.properties file exists. 64-bit systems require two copies of the file, one for the 64-bit JRE and the other for the 32-bit JRE. Without the deployment.config file, setting particular options for the Java control panel is impossible. DCBP-1

The deployment.properties file is used for specifying keys for the Java Runtime Environment. Each option in the Java control panel is represented by property keys. These keys adjust the options in the Java control panel based on the value assigned to that key. By default no deployment.properties file exists; thus, no system-wide deployment exists. Without the deployment.properties file, setting particular options for the Java control panel is impossible. System AdministratorDCBP-1

The JRE is being continually updated by the vendor in order to address identified security vulnerabilities. Running an older version of the JRE can introduce security vulnerabilities to the system.Java applications are runtime version dependant. Applications must be tested to ensure compatability with new Java Runtime version prior to applying upgrades to production environment. Failure to test application functionality with the newest version of JRE could result in undesireable results up to and including partial or full application failure.System AdministratorDCBP-1