CVE-2015-4803 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 6u101, 7u85, and 8u60; Java SE Embedded 8u51; and JRockit R28.3.7 allows remote attackers to affect availability via vectors related to JAXP, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-4893 and CVE-2015-4911.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4803 represents a significant availability risk within Oracle Java SE and Embedded platforms, specifically affecting versions 6u101, 7u85, 8u60, and Embedded 8u51. This issue resides within the Java XML Processing API known as JAXP which serves as a critical component for XML document parsing and processing in Java applications. The vulnerability manifests as an unspecified flaw that enables remote attackers to disrupt system availability, distinguishing it from related vulnerabilities CVE-2015-4893 and CVE-2015-4911 which address different attack vectors. The JAXP implementation in these Java versions contains a weakness that can be exploited over network connections without requiring authentication or specialized privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications process untrusted XML data from external sources.
Technical exploitation of CVE-2015-4803 leverages the XML parsing capabilities within the Java platform to trigger resource exhaustion or denial of service conditions. Attackers can craft malicious XML documents that, when processed by vulnerable Java applications, cause the JVM to consume excessive memory resources or enter infinite processing loops. The vulnerability operates at the core XML processing layer where JAXP parsers handle document type definitions and external entity references, potentially leading to heap exhaustion, thread starvation, or other resource depletion scenarios that fundamentally compromise system availability. This weakness typically manifests when applications use default JAXP parser configurations without proper input validation or resource limits, creating a pathway for attackers to systematically consume system resources and render services unavailable to legitimate users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass broader enterprise security implications. Organizations running Java applications that process external XML inputs face potential downtime, reduced system performance, and increased administrative overhead as they respond to attacks. The vulnerability affects both server-side applications and client applications that process XML data, creating widespread exposure across enterprise networks. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause application crashes, JVM termination, or complete system resource exhaustion, leading to cascading failures in dependent services. The attack vector requires no specialized knowledge or privileges, making it accessible to threat actors with basic networking capabilities, and the impact can be amplified when multiple vulnerable applications exist within the same network environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4803 should focus on immediate patch management and configuration hardening approaches. Organizations must prioritize updating to patched versions of Oracle Java SE and Embedded platforms, specifically targeting the versions that address this vulnerability. System administrators should implement XML input validation controls and configure JAXP parsers with strict resource limits to prevent malicious XML documents from consuming excessive system resources. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit exposure by restricting access to vulnerable applications. The implementation of application firewalls and web application security controls provides additional defense layers. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary XML processing capabilities and implementing proper input sanitization techniques. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability relates to CWE-400 which covers resource exhaustion issues, while ATT&CK framework references this under T1499 for network denial of service attacks, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive defensive measures including monitoring for unusual resource consumption patterns and implementing automated response mechanisms to isolate affected systems during exploitation attempts.