Six ways to protect against the latest Java vulnerability
Security researchers have proposed several methods for users to protect their computers from ongoing attacks that target a new and yet-to-be-patched vulnerability in all versions of Java Runtime Environment 7.
Most of the proposed solutions have drawbacks or are applicable only to certain system configurations and environments. However, the hope is that in the absence of an official patch from Oracle users will be able to use one or a combination of them in order to reduce the risk of their systems being compromised.
Researchers from security firm FireEye announced the existence of the new Java vulnerability on Sunday and reported that it's being exploited in limited targeted attacks. A working proof-of-concept exploit appeared online the next day and was integrated into Metasploit, an open-source security testing tool used by many penetration testers.