CVE-2018-2579 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Libraries). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u171, 7u161, 8u152 and 9.0.1; Java SE Embedded: 8u151; JRockit: R28.3.16. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit accessible data. Note: This vulnerability applies to client and server deployment of Java. This vulnerability can be exploited through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and sandboxed Java applets. It can also be exploited by supplying data to APIs in the specified Component without using sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, such as through a web service. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 3.7 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2579 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle Java SE and JRockit components, specifically affecting the Libraries subcomponent. This weakness manifests in multiple Java versions including Java SE 6u171, 7u161, 8u152, and 9.0.1, alongside Java SE Embedded 8u151 and JRockit R28.3.16. The vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the Java runtime environment, potentially compromising the confidentiality of data accessible to the affected systems. According to the CVSS 3.0 scoring system, this vulnerability carries a base score of 3.7, indicating a low to medium severity impact with specific focus on confidentiality implications.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2018-2579 requires an unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of Java applications across various environments. The vulnerability's difficulty level is classified as hard to exploit, suggesting that while it requires specific conditions to be met, the attack surface remains considerable due to Java's pervasive use in enterprise and web applications. The flaw enables unauthorized read access to a subset of data within the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, and JRockit environments, potentially exposing sensitive information that applications or systems might be processing or storing.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of understanding how Java applications interact with system resources and data access controls. The impact extends beyond traditional server deployments to include client-side applications, web start applications, and applets, indicating that the attack surface encompasses both sandboxed and non-sandboxed execution environments. The vulnerability's applicability to web services and APIs means that even applications not directly exposed to user interaction can be compromised through data processing endpoints. From a cybersecurity perspective, this aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application layer execution and CWE-200 for exposure of sensitive information, highlighting the need for comprehensive network segmentation and access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple deployment scenarios, including both client and server environments where Java applications are installed. Organizations relying on Java-based systems must consider the potential for data leakage through various attack vectors, particularly since the vulnerability can be exploited through legitimate application interfaces such as web services. The fact that this vulnerability affects both Java SE and JRockit components indicates that the underlying issue affects core Java runtime functionality rather than specific application features. Security teams should prioritize assessing their Java deployment environments to identify systems running the affected versions and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2579 should include immediate patching of affected Java installations, particularly for the identified version ranges. Organizations should implement network-based restrictions to limit access to Java applications and services, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. The use of application whitelisting and strict network segmentation can help prevent unauthorized access to vulnerable Java components. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual data access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the vulnerability's classification as a confidentiality impact issue, organizations should also review their data access controls and implement additional monitoring for unauthorized data reads, particularly in environments where Java applications process sensitive information. The vulnerability's characteristics align with the broader category of information disclosure flaws, making it essential for security teams to maintain updated threat intelligence and ensure comprehensive patch management processes are in place across all Java-based systems.