CVE-2018-2602 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: I18n). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u171, 7u161, 8u152 and 9.0.1; Java SE Embedded: 8u151. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with logon to the infrastructure where Java SE, Java SE Embedded executes to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Java SE, Java SE Embedded accessible data as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of Java SE, Java SE Embedded accessible data and unauthorized ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of Java SE, Java SE Embedded. Note: This vulnerability applies to Java deployments, typically in clients running sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, that load and run untrusted code (e.g., code that comes from the internet) and rely on the Java sandbox for security. This vulnerability does not apply to Java deployments, typically in servers, that load and run only trusted code (e.g., code installed by an administrator). CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.5 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2602 resides within the Internationalization (I18n) component of Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple version releases including Java SE 6u171, 7u161, 8u152, 9.0.1, and Java SE Embedded 8u151. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-254, specifically addressing weaknesses related to insufficient input validation in internationalization features. The flaw manifests in how the Java runtime environment handles internationalized text processing, creating potential entry points for malicious actors seeking to compromise system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a complex attack scenario involving an unauthenticated attacker who must already have logon access to the target infrastructure where Java SE or Java SE Embedded is deployed. This prerequisite places the vulnerability in the category of difficult-to-exploit issues according to the Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC) standards. The attack vector specifically targets sandboxed Java Web Start applications or applets that execute untrusted code from internet sources, leveraging the inherent trust model of the Java sandbox environment. The vulnerability's classification as CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.5 indicates a moderate severity level with impacts across confidentiality, integrity, and availability dimensions.
Operational impacts of successful exploitation can result in unauthorized modification of data through update, insert, or delete operations on accessible Java SE data repositories. Additionally, attackers can achieve unauthorized read access to specific subsets of data within the Java environment, potentially exposing sensitive information. The vulnerability also enables partial denial of service conditions that can disrupt normal application functionality. These impacts align with the ATT&CK framework's techniques for privilege escalation and data manipulation, particularly focusing on the 'Exploitation for Client Execution' and 'Data Manipulation' tactics. The requirement for human interaction beyond the initial attacker access point suggests that social engineering or user deception may be necessary components of the attack chain.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2602 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java versions to the latest available security updates from Oracle. Organizations should implement strict network segmentation to limit access to Java runtime environments and disable unnecessary Java applet or Web Start functionality in client systems. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous Java process behavior, particularly when executing untrusted code from external sources. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits of Java deployments can significantly reduce exploitation risk. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling Java in web browsers entirely unless absolutely required for business operations, as this vulnerability particularly affects client-side Java execution environments where sandbox protections may be insufficient against determined attackers. The vulnerability's applicability specifically excludes server-side Java deployments that execute only trusted code, emphasizing the need for proper deployment architecture design that separates trusted and untrusted execution environments according to security best practices.