How to Get Java Security Updates Without Oracle
You don’t need an Oracle subscription to keep Java secure. OpenJDK community builds deliver the same critical patches – often on the very same schedule. In other words, you can get all the Java security fixes without paying Oracle.
We’ll show how to get these updates safely and legally outside Oracle’s ecosystem. It’s about choosing the right OpenJDK distribution and following a solid update process.
Pro Tip: “Security updates aren’t Oracle’s secret. They’re open, if you know where to look.”
Read our larger guide to Oracle Java Security Patching & Support Strategies.
Why You Still Need Regular Updates
Java remains a frequent target for attackers. Missing even a single critical patch can leave a backdoor on your servers, desktops, or applications. Just like Windows or Linux, outdated Java runtimes are a security liability.
Dropping Oracle’s paid support doesn’t mean you can skip updates. It means you take charge of staying current.
If you leave Oracle, you must replace their support with a disciplined process – keeping up with community and vendor patches on your own schedule. The risk of falling behind is too high, so regular updates are non-negotiable.
OpenJDK Update Sources You Can Trust
Luckily, Oracle isn’t the only source of Java fixes. Several trusted vendors provide free, open Java (OpenJDK) builds that include all the same security patches. Here are some reliable OpenJDK distributions and what they offer:
| Vendor | Version Support | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eclipse Temurin (Adoptium) | Java 11, 17, 21 | Free | Frequent LTS updates |
| Amazon Corretto | Java 8–21 | Free | Ideal for AWS users |
| Red Hat OpenJDK | Java 8, 11, 17 | Included in RHEL | Stable enterprise support |
| Azul Zulu | Java 6–21 | Paid | Long-term security patches |
Each of these is Java SE compatible (they pass the same tests as Oracle’s Java) and gets timely security fixes. Eclipse Temurin (from Adoptium) and Amazon Corretto are popular free choices with ongoing support for long-term versions.
Red Hat’s build comes with a Red Hat subscription (a great option if you’re already a RHEL customer). Azul’s Zulu offers extended support for legacy versions (even Java 6 or 7), though full long-term access requires a paid plan.
Pro Tip: “Pick a vendor you trust — not just the cheapest.” In practice, all the above are credible. Focus on their track record and whether they support the Java versions you need. A free solution is great, but ensure the provider is committed to timely updates.
Get support from third-party, Third-Party Java Support Providers (Overview).
Step-by-Step: Getting Security Updates Without Oracle
Moving off Oracle’s updates is doable with the right steps. Follow this process to patch Java using OpenJDK distributions:
1️⃣ Identify your current Java version. Start by checking which version of Java is running on your systems. Run java -version on each server or workstation to see the version and whether it’s Oracle JDK or an OpenJDK build. This audit prevents surprises later.
2️⃣ Choose a trusted OpenJDK build. Pick one vendor (from the list above) and standardize on it. For example, you might decide all your Java installations will use Eclipse Temurin or Amazon Corretto. Sticking to one distribution makes testing and support easier.
3️⃣ Download from the official site. Always get the JDK binaries from the vendor’s official website or repository. Don’t trust random mirrors or unofficial archives. This ensures you receive untampered, authentic Java packages (with proper signatures or checksums).
4️⃣ Test patches in staging. Never blindly roll out a Java update. First, update a staging environment or test server. Run your critical applications on the new JDK and watch for any issues. This helps catch compatibility problems (e.g., with libraries or frameworks) before they hit production.
5️⃣ Deploy across production. Once tests look good, deploy the Java update to production systems. Use automation tools or scripts to push the new JDK to all servers and desktops. Automating this process (via software deployment tools or configuration management) ensures speed and consistency – every instance gets the same update.
6️⃣ Repeat quarterly. Make Java patching a regular rhythm. Security fixes for Java (OpenJDK or Oracle) are released roughly every 3 months. Plan to check for updates every January, April, July, and October (Oracle’s standard Critical Patch Update cycle) and apply them promptly. Consistent quarterly updates keep you safe from newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Pro Tip: “Treat patching as a release cycle, not a repair job.” In other words, be proactive and schedule Java updates, rather than scrambling only when a big exploit hits the news.
How OpenJDK Mirrors Oracle’s Update Cycle
Here’s some good news: OpenJDK maintainers release security patches on the same day Oracle does. When Oracle publishes its quarterly Critical Patch Update, the corresponding fixes are also added to OpenJDK that week.
You’re not lagging by choosing a non-Oracle distribution – you get the same fixes, just without the hefty license fees.
The OpenJDK Vulnerability Group (which includes engineers from many companies) coordinates these releases. That means using a reputable OpenJDK build keeps you in lockstep with Oracle’s patch timeline. Each quarter, your chosen distribution (Temurin, Corretto, etc.) will receive a new update containing the latest vulnerability patches.
Keep in mind that Java does evolve. Every few years a new Long-Term Support (LTS) version comes out (e.g. Java 17 in 2021, Java 21 in 2023, Java 25 expected in 2025).
Free community support for an LTS version doesn’t last forever – it usually runs a few years beyond the next LTS. To stay secure in the long term, plan to upgrade to a newer Java LTS every 2–3 years.
In practice, this might mean upgrading your applications from Java 11 to 17, or from 17 to 21, once those older versions reach the end of support. This way, you’ll always be on a supported baseline receiving updates.
Checklist – Secure Update Practices
Make sure your Java maintenance plan checks all these boxes:
- ✅ Use a single OpenJDK vendor for consistency. Don’t mix and match multiple JDK sources in production. Standardizing on a single distribution eliminates subtle differences and reduces complexity.
- ✅ Test in a staging environment before production. Always prove the update with real workloads in the test. Never skip this – a bad Java update can break apps if not verified.
- ✅ Align patching with the quarterly cycle. Schedule Java updates for the same calendar as Oracle’s quarterly releases (every Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct). This predictable cadence keeps you ahead of threats.
- ✅ Monitor LTS end-of-support dates. Know when your current Java version will stop getting free patches from your vendor. Mark those dates so they don’t sneak up on you.
- ✅ Replace versions before they expire. Don’t cling to obsolete Java releases. Migrate off any Java version before its support window closes. Upgrading in time avoids running unpatched software.
Pro Tip: “The best patching strategy is predictability.” A predictable routine (quarterly updates, planned upgrades) minimizes risk. Surprises are the enemy of security.
5 Pro Tips
1️⃣ Subscribe to vendor security bulletins. Get notifications from your OpenJDK provider (mailing lists or RSS feeds) so you know when new patches drop.
2️⃣ Automate OpenJDK upgrades through CI/CD. Incorporate JDK updates into your pipeline. For example, update the base JDK in your Docker images or build environments automatically when a new release is available.
3️⃣ Never mix multiple Java vendors in one estate. Pick one JDK type for all systems. Mixing Corretto, Temurin, Oracle, etc., in different apps can lead to inconsistencies and complicate support.
4️⃣ Replace Java 8 (and older) immediately. If you still have Java 8 or earlier in production, prioritize upgrading. These older versions no longer receive free public fixes and are high-risk.
5️⃣ Keep version baselines documented for audits. Maintain an inventory of which Java version (and distribution) each system is running. This helps with compliance audits and ensures you don’t overlook any installation during updates.
5 Actions to Take After Reading
1️⃣ Check if your organization still uses Oracle JDK. Audit all systems to find any Oracle-branded Java installations. If you find some running without a subscription, plan to replace them with OpenJDK to stay compliant.
2️⃣ Select an OpenJDK vendor to standardize on. Choose one of the trusted distributions (Temurin, Corretto, Red Hat, etc.) as your official Java platform moving forward. This decision is the foundation for your new update strategy.
3️⃣ Set patching reminders aligned with Oracle’s CPU calendar. Add reminders to your team’s calendar for every third Tuesday of January, April, July, and October. Treat these as Java update days to download and apply the latest patches.
4️⃣ Automate Java upgrades in staging and production. Implement scripts or management tools to deploy JDK updates across your environments. Automation will save time and reduce human error when rolling out quarterly patches.
5️⃣ Document your new non-Oracle update process. Write down the steps (from checking versions to testing and deployment) that you’ll use to keep Java updated. Having a clear process ensures continuity – even new team members or auditors can follow how you stay secure without Oracle.
By taking these steps, you’ll keep your Java platforms secure and compliant – all while saving on Oracle subscription costs.
Your organization will have an actionable plan to get Java security updates on time, every time, without depending on Oracle. Enjoy the freedom of open-source Java with peace of mind that you’re covered against threats.
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