CVE-2018-2603 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. Easily exploitable 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 ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. 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 5.3 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2021
This vulnerability resides within the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, and JRockit components, specifically targeting the Libraries subcomponent that forms a critical foundation of Oracle's Java runtime environment. The flaw affects multiple version lines including Java SE 6u171, 7u161, 8u152, and 9.0.1, alongside Java SE Embedded 8u151 and JRockit R28.3.16, representing a broad attack surface across different Java deployment scenarios. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers require minimal prerequisites to leverage this weakness, with network access being the primary requirement through multiple protocols. This characteristic aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a significant security gap in Java's core libraries that can be exploited without authentication.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a partial denial of service condition that can be achieved through unauthenticated network access, making it particularly dangerous for systems where Java applications are deployed in server environments. The CVSS 3.0 score of 5.3 with a vector of AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L indicates that while the attack requires no user interaction or privileges, it can still cause availability impacts that affect system functionality. The vulnerability's applicability to both client and server deployments means that attackers can compromise systems regardless of whether Java is running in a desktop environment or server context, creating a comprehensive threat landscape. This characteristic is particularly concerning given that the flaw can be exploited through various vectors including sandboxed Java Web Start applications, sandboxed Java applets, and direct API data injection, demonstrating the breadth of potential attack paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire Java-based systems, especially considering that the flaw exists within the foundational libraries that support numerous Java applications. Attackers can leverage this weakness to cause partial denial of service conditions that may degrade system performance or render applications unavailable to legitimate users. The vulnerability's presence in both client and server deployments creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on Java applications, particularly in enterprise environments where Java-based services are critical to business operations. The ability to exploit this vulnerability through web services and APIs without requiring sandboxed environments makes it especially dangerous for web-facing applications, as it can be triggered by external parties without the need for complex attack chains.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including patching affected Java installations to the latest supported versions, as the vulnerability affects multiple Java versions that have been superseded by security updates. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit unnecessary Java service exposure, particularly for systems that do not require direct network access to Java applications. The implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures can help reduce the attack surface for API-based exploitation, while monitoring for unusual network activity related to Java services can provide early detection of potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution, and represents a clear example of how foundational library vulnerabilities can create widespread impact across different deployment scenarios. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes should include comprehensive Java environment scanning to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.