CVE-2015-2638 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 6u95, 7u80, and 8u45; JavaFX 2.2.80; and Java SE Embedded 7u75 and 8u33 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to 2D.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2026
This vulnerability resides within Oracle Java SE and JavaFX implementations, specifically affecting versions 6u95, 7u80, 8u45, JavaFX 2.2.80, and Java SE Embedded versions 7u75 and 8u33. The issue is categorized as a 2D graphics rendering flaw that presents a significant security risk to systems utilizing these Java components. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vectors indicates that attackers can exploit multiple pathways to compromise the affected systems, making the threat surface particularly broad and difficult to predict.
The technical flaw manifests in the 2D graphics subsystem of the Java runtime environment, where improper handling of certain graphical operations can lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. This vulnerability operates at a low level within the Java Virtual Machine's graphics processing capabilities, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures or bypass security controls through crafted 2D graphics operations. The vulnerability affects the fundamental rendering pipeline of Java's 2D graphics API, which is extensively used in desktop applications, web applets, and embedded systems that rely on Java for graphical user interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it can enable remote attackers to execute malicious code on targeted systems without requiring local access or user interaction. Attackers can exploit this weakness through web-based attacks, where malicious Java applets or web content containing crafted 2D graphics elements can trigger the vulnerability. The compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability indicates that successful exploitation can result in data theft, system modification, or denial of service conditions. Systems running affected Java versions are particularly vulnerable when they process untrusted graphical content or when users browse the internet with Java enabled in their browsers.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses "Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer" and represents a classic example of memory corruption issues that can lead to privilege escalation or code execution. The attack surface extends beyond traditional web applications to include embedded systems and enterprise applications that utilize Java for graphical processing. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems immediately, as the vulnerability can be exploited through automated scanning tools that identify vulnerable Java versions. The remediation process requires updating to patched versions of Oracle Java SE and JavaFX, while also implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure. Additionally, administrators should disable Java plugin execution in web browsers and conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running unsupported Java versions. The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical need for regular patch management and the importance of maintaining current security postures across all Java-based applications and systems.