Managing Out-of-Date Java Versions Securely
Many enterprises still rely on Java 8 or 11 for everyday operations. The problem? Oracle now charges for updates — but running without security patches is a serious risk. No one wants to leave mission-critical applications exposed to attack.
Here’s how to stay secure and compliant without paying Oracle.
Pro Tip: “You can’t afford unpatched Java — but you don’t need to pay Oracle for it.”
Read our larger guide to Oracle Java Security Patching & Support Strategies.
Why Older Java Versions Persist
Java 8 remains common in critical systems, legacy apps, and vendor-packaged software. These platforms aren’t easily replaced overnight. In regulated industries, upgrades can take months or even years due to lengthy testing and certification.
Often, these legacy Java systems are stable and doing their job, so teams are reluctant to change them. Upgrading could introduce bugs or downtime, which nobody wants for essential services.
Also, some software vendors only certify their products on specific Java versions (for example, an older banking application might officially support Java 8 but not Java 17 yet). This dependency locks organizations in, even if they’d prefer to move forward sooner.
Security Risks of Staying on Outdated Versions
Each quarter, Oracle and the OpenJDK community publish new security fixes.
If you’re still running unpatched Java 8 or 11, your systems are exposed to new CVEs as they emerge. In recent years, dozens of Java vulnerabilities have been disclosed annually. It only takes one critical flaw left unpatched for an attacker to gain a foothold.
Attackers target out-of-date Java runtimes because they’re easier to exploit. Known bugs in older versions give hackers a ready roadmap. Ignoring updates isn’t cheaper; it’s just deferred risk.
Beyond direct breaches, running unsupported Java can also lead to compliance failures. Many regulations (such as PCI DSS and HIPAA) require up-to-date software, so outdated Java may put audits and certifications at risk.
Secure Options for Java 8 and 11
Fortunately, Oracle isn’t the only source of Java updates. Several vendors and open-source builds can keep Java 8 and 11 patched without an Oracle subscription.
All these options rely on the same OpenJDK codebase as Oracle Java, so your applications will run just as they always have. The difference comes down to licensing, support, and how updates are delivered.
Here are some popular alternatives to consider:
| Vendor | Java 8 Support | Java 11 Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azul Platform Core | Full updates | Full updates | Paid, enterprise-grade |
| Red Hat OpenJDK | For RHEL users | Full updates | Bundled with RHEL support |
| Amazon Corretto | Free updates | Free updates | Ideal for AWS workloads |
| Eclipse Temurin (Adoptium) | Active | Active | Community-driven |
| Oracle Java | Paid only | Paid only | Subscription required |
Each option has pros and cons. Third-party support vendors like Azul or Red Hat offer long-term updates for a fee (often at a lower cost than Oracle’s own support).
Free community builds like Amazon Corretto or Eclipse Temurin provide regular patches without cost, though without dedicated support. Be sure to check each vendor’s support timeline — some free services may eventually stop updating older versions, and paid offerings come with their own terms.
The key is to choose one source and standardize your environments on it. Ensuring every Java instance gets critical fixes regularly is non-negotiable.
Pro Tip: “Third-party support gives you time to modernize — safely.”
Get support from third-party, Third-Party Java Support Providers (Overview).
Planning a Security Strategy for Legacy Java
If upgrading immediately isn’t feasible, you need a plan to manage security on Java 8 and 11:
1️⃣ Standardize all Java 8/11 instances under one supported JDK distribution (for example, adopt Azul’s build or Amazon Corretto across the board). Reducing variation makes patching easier and less error-prone.
2️⃣ Automate patch rollouts on a regular schedule (ideally quarterly, aligning with Oracle’s Critical Patch Update cycle). Don’t rely on manual updates — use scripts or management tools to push new Java releases to all servers as soon as they’re available.
3️⃣ Run vulnerability scans after each update cycle to confirm no known CVEs remain. Continuous scanning ensures that nothing critical slips through the cracks. It also provides auditors with evidence that you’re addressing security issues promptly.
4️⃣ Begin modernization in parallel. While you keep Java 8/11 secure, start projects to upgrade applications to the latest Java (such as Java 17 or 21). That way, you’re using third-party support as a temporary safety net, not a permanent crutch. Eventually, a modern Java version will reduce your maintenance burden and risk.
Pro Tip: “Security buys you time; modernization saves you money.”
When to Migrate vs When to Stay
Deciding whether to migrate now or maintain an older Java a bit longer comes down to balancing risk versus effort:
Migrate: Move to Java 17 or 21 sooner if your applications can be upgraded without major issues. Newer long-term support (LTS) versions have longer support windows and often better performance. If testing shows your apps run fine on a modern JDK, take advantage of it. You’ll get immediate security improvements and won’t have to worry about third-party patches as much. Plus, newer Java releases give you access to modern features and improvements.
Stay (short term): Delay migration if you rely on middleware, hardware, or vendor software that only works with Java 8 or 11. Also, if your third-party vendors haven’t certified their products on newer Java versions yet, rushing an upgrade might break things. In this case, stick with a well-supported Java 8 or 11 distribution and buy yourself time. Just ensure this is a temporary measure and keep pressure on vendors (or internal teams) to certify and move forward. Remember that Java’s release cadence has sped up – there’s a new LTS every two years – so plan to revisit your Java version regularly. Staying on an old version too long will only make the eventual jump harder.
Read our FAQ on patch cycles, Oracle Java vs OpenJDK Patch Cycle FAQ.
Checklist – Managing Legacy Java Securely
Use this checklist to maintain older Java versions with minimal risk:
- ✅ Inventory all Java installations (especially versions 8 and 11). You can’t secure what you don’t know about.
- ✅ Choose one JDK vendor for patches and updates. Pick from the options above and deploy that runtime everywhere for consistency.
- ✅ Apply updates at least quarterly. Do not skip patch cycles or delay them unnecessarily.
- ✅ Conduct monthly vulnerability scans on your Java applications and servers. Catch any missed patches or new threats early.
- ✅ Set a target date to migrate to the next Java LTS (like 17 or 21) and track progress. Having a deadline prevents indefinite deferral and keeps stakeholders accountable.
5 Pro Tips
1️⃣ Never run unpatched Java in production. Treat JVM updates as critical as OS updates. A short maintenance window for patching is far safer than a long outage from a breach.
2️⃣ Align patch schedules with Oracle’s quarterly releases. Most Java distributors follow Oracle’s cycle. Plan your internal patch days right after those release dates to stay in sync.
3️⃣ Standardize on one JDK. Mixing multiple Java distributions leads to confusion and uneven patch levels. Pick a supported build and use it everywhere for simplicity.
4️⃣ Budget for support or transition. Even if you go with free options now, set aside resources in case you need a paid support contract or expert help to migrate off Java 8/11. It’s an insurance policy against unexpected issues.
5️⃣ Document your Java patch policy. Have a written procedure for how and when you apply Java updates. This will satisfy compliance auditors and ensure your team follows a consistent process.
5 Actions to Take After Reading
1️⃣ Audit all Java versions currently running in your organization. Make a list of every application and server using Java, and note the exact versions.
2️⃣ Replace unsupported Oracle JDK builds with a supported OpenJDK distribution. If you still have Oracle JDK 8/11 in use without a subscription, swap it out for something like Eclipse Temurin or Amazon Corretto to get free updates going forward.
3️⃣ Subscribe to security bulletins from your chosen Java vendor. Set up email alerts or RSS feeds to notify you when new patches are released. Staying informed is half the battle.
4️⃣ Start testing on Java 17 or 21 in a sandbox environment. Run a non-critical application on the latest Java to identify issues early. Use those findings to plan your broader upgrade path.
5️⃣ Plan to phase out Java 8 (and eventually Java 11) within your next budget or development cycle. Legacy Java can be maintained safely for now, but it shouldn’t remain in your long-term IT roadmap. Set an internal end-of-life date for Java 8 in your environment and work backward to accomplish it.
By following these steps, you can keep your Java applications secure and compliant – without paying Oracle – until you’re ready to fully modernize. Managing out-of-date Java requires diligence, but with the right strategy, it’s absolutely doable.
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