FULL PRODUCT VERSION :
The Internet Explorer plugin is being used.
Java console reports "Using JRE version 1.7.0_55-b13 Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM

ADDITIONAL OS VERSION INFORMATION :
Windows 7 x64 SP1
Windows 7 x86 SP1

EXTRA RELEVANT SYSTEM CONFIGURATION :
Internet Explorer 10

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM :
I'm using Deployment Rule Set in my company environment, its signed by code signing certificate. After I upgraded to Java 7u55, the Deployment Rule Set does not recognize older statically nor family installed Java version.
Java versions installed:
%PROGRAMSFILES (x86)%\Java\jre6 (Java 6u45)
%PROGRAMSFILES (x86)%\Java\jre7 (Java 7u55)
%PROGRAMSFILES (x86)%\Java\jre1.7.0_40

Rule Set routing one of our internal web apps to Java 6u45
On load process the message is showed:
Application Blocked by Deployment Rule Set
Deployment Rule Set required Java version 1.6.0_45 not available.

With the versions Java 7u40 and Java 7u51, Deplyment Rule SEt worked as expected.

REGRESSION. Last worked in version 7u40

ADDITIONAL REGRESSION INFORMATION:
The Internet Explorer plugin is being used.
Java console reports "Using JRE version 1.7.0_40-b43 Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM

STEPS TO FOLLOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM :
1. Define ruleset.xml. This file contains this rule:
<rule>
    <id location="https://example.com/" />
    <action permission="run" version="1.6.0_45"/>
  </rule>
2. Pack ruleset in a jar file
3. Sign the jar file
4. Certificate added to CACERTS
Ruleset can be verified in the javacpl

EXPECTED VERSUS ACTUAL BEHAVIOR :
EXPECTED -
When navigating to https://example.com/ the version specified in the ruleset is used for loading applets in that url.
Can be verified by enabling "Show Console" from Java Control Panel
ACTUAL -
When java 7u55 is installed. The following message is showed:
Application Blocked by Deployment Rule Set
Deployment Rule Set required Java version 1.6.0_45 not available.

ERROR MESSAGES/STACK TRACES THAT OCCUR :
Application Blocked by Deployment Rule Set
Deployment Rule Set required Java version 1.6.0_45 not available.

REPRODUCIBILITY :
This bug can be reproduced always.

---------- BEGIN SOURCE ----------
Not applicable.
Behavior of Deployment Rule Set
---------- END SOURCE ----------

CUSTOMER SUBMITTED WORKAROUND :
Do not deploy Java 7u55 in my company environment.