CVE-2015-2664 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 6u95, 7u80, and 8u45 allows local users to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to Deployment.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2664 resides within Oracle Java SE versions 6u95, 7u80, and 8u45, specifically impacting the deployment component of the Java runtime environment. This issue represents a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to compromise system integrity, confidentiality, and availability through unspecified attack vectors. The deployment functionality in Java SE handles the installation and execution of Java applications, making it a prime target for exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, which is common with certain zero-day exploits or when the full scope of impact is not immediately apparent. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from insufficient input validation, improper access controls, or flawed privilege management within the deployment subsystem. The local nature of the attack means that an attacker must already have a foothold on the system to exploit this weakness, though the potential impact can be severe given the privileged context in which Java deployment operates. This particular vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which covers improper access control issues, and may also relate to CWE-119, dealing with weak buffer protection, depending on the specific exploitation mechanism.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2664 extends beyond simple data compromise as it affects all three core principles of information security. An attacker could potentially manipulate Java deployment configurations, modify system files, or gain elevated privileges through the compromised deployment process. The confidentiality aspect is particularly concerning as attackers might extract sensitive configuration data, user credentials, or application-specific information that Java applications rely upon. Integrity violations could allow adversaries to corrupt Java runtime components, modify application behavior, or inject malicious code into legitimate deployment processes. Availability impacts may manifest through denial-of-service conditions where the deployment subsystem becomes unusable or where system resources are consumed inappropriately. This vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly administrative functions within Java can become attack vectors when proper security controls are absent. The affected versions represent widely deployed Java runtime environments, making the potential attack surface extensive across enterprise networks, development environments, and end-user systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2664 should prioritize immediate patch application from Oracle, as this represents the most effective defense against the known vulnerability. Organizations must ensure that all systems running affected Java SE versions are updated to the latest patches, which typically include enhanced input validation, stricter access controls, and improved privilege management within the deployment subsystem. System administrators should disable unnecessary Java deployment features and implement strict Java security policies that limit the execution scope of Java applications. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help contain potential exploitation attempts, while monitoring systems should track unauthorized Java deployment activities or configuration changes. The vulnerability's local nature means that traditional network-based security controls may not prevent exploitation, emphasizing the need for endpoint protection and application whitelisting. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for Java runtime environments, ensuring that deployment processes operate with minimal required permissions. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, and T1190, related to exploitation of remote services, though the local nature of the attack makes the former more relevant. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of Java deployment configurations to ensure that patches are properly applied and that no legacy deployment features remain enabled unnecessarily.