CVE-2018-2569 in Java ME SDK
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java ME SDK component of Oracle Java Micro Edition (subcomponent: Installer). The supported version that is affected is 8.3. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with logon to the infrastructure where Java ME SDK executes to compromise Java ME SDK. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java ME SDK. Note: This applies to the Windows platform only. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 7.8 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2569 resides within the Java ME SDK component of Oracle Java Micro Edition, specifically within the Installer subcomponent version 8.3. This represents a significant security weakness that targets the Windows platform exclusively, making it particularly concerning for organizations running Java ME applications on Windows infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage relatively straightforward attack vectors to compromise systems. The CVSS 3.0 score of 7.8 reflects the high severity impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of potential damage that could occur.
The technical flaw manifests through a combination of local attack vector requirements and the need for human interaction, which creates a unique exploitation scenario. An attacker must first gain logon access to the infrastructure where Java ME SDK operates, establishing a baseline of system compromise. However, the vulnerability's requirement for human interaction from someone other than the attacker introduces an interesting dynamic in the attack chain. This typically involves social engineering elements where the attacker might manipulate an unsuspecting user into performing actions that trigger the vulnerability, such as clicking on malicious installer files or executing compromised installation processes. The installer component becomes the attack surface where the actual exploitation occurs, allowing the attacker to gain unauthorized control over the Java ME SDK environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system compromise, as successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of the Java ME SDK environment. This means that attackers could potentially gain full administrative control over the SDK, enabling them to modify or delete critical components, access sensitive data, and manipulate the development environment. The confidentiality impact is particularly severe as it could allow attackers to access source code, development artifacts, and potentially sensitive information related to mobile application development. The integrity impact manifests through the ability to corrupt or modify the SDK installation, potentially leading to compromised development processes and the introduction of malicious code into applications. Availability concerns arise from the possibility of disrupting development operations through system compromise or resource exhaustion attacks.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching of affected Java ME SDK installations to version 8.3 or later. System administrators must enforce strict access controls and limit logon privileges to only authorized personnel who require access for legitimate development purposes. The human interaction component necessitates comprehensive security awareness training for development teams to recognize potential social engineering attempts that could lead to exploitation. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts to development infrastructure, while regular security audits can help identify potential compromise indicators. According to CWE guidelines, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, and may also relate to CWE-79, representing cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that could be exploited in the development environment. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under initial access and privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of legitimate credentials for system compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized installation of modified SDK components and maintain detailed logging of all installation activities for forensic analysis purposes.