This article applies to:
  • Platform(s): All Platforms
  • Java version(s): 6.0, 6u19+

SYMPTOMS

While attempting to run Java based applet or application, a security warning dialog box appears: 'Java has discovered application components that could indicate a security concern'.

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CAUSE

Signed Java Web Start applications and applets that contain signed and unsigned components could potentially be unsafe unless the mixed code was intended by the application vendor. As of the Java SE 6 Update 19 release, when a program contains both signed and unsigned components, a warning dialog is raised.

SOLUTION

Referring to the above screenshot, if the user clicks Yes, it blocks potentially unsafe components from running, and the program may terminate. If the user clicks the No button, the application or applet continues execution.
Raising a warning is the default behavior, but there are options available for users to manage this situation.

Mixed Code Protection Options for Users:
User can manage how mixed code programs are handled through the Java Control Panel.
To access the Java Control Panel goto, Start menu > Control Panel > Java Control Panel > Advanced > Security.
The following screen shot shows the four levels of control available. See the Mixed code heading towards the bottom of the Java Control Panel.


Below are the details of the available options.

  1. Enable - show warning if needed. This is the default setting. When a potential security risk is encountered, a warning dialog is raised. Clicking Yes blocks potentially unsafe components from running and may terminate the program. When the user clicks No, the application or applet continues execution with protections (packages or resources that are later encountered with the same names but have different trust levels, i.e., signed vs unsigned, will not be loaded).
  2. Enable - hide warning and run with protections. This option suppresses the warning dialog. The code executes as if the user had clicked No from the warning dialog.
  3. Enable - hide warning and don't run untrusted code. This option suppresses the warning dialog and behaves as if the user had clicked Yes from the warning dialog.
  4. Disable verification. This option is not recommended. This option completely disables the software from checking for mixing trusted and untrusted code, leaving the user to run potentially unsafe code without protections.