CVE-2018-2618 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JCE). 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 access to critical data or complete access to all 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 5.9 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-2618 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Cryptography Extension (JCE) component of Oracle Java SE and JRockit runtime environments. This vulnerability specifically affects multiple versions including Java SE 6u171, 7u161, 8u152, and 9.0.1, along with Java SE Embedded 8u151 and JRockit R28.3.16. The flaw resides in the cryptographic extension framework that governs encryption, decryption, and digital signature operations within the Java platform. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack vector is complex, successful exploitation can lead to severe consequences. According to the CVSS 3.0 scoring system with a base score of 5.9, this vulnerability presents a medium severity threat with significant confidentiality impact. The attack requires network access from an unauthenticated attacker and can be executed through multiple protocols, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where Java applications are deployed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in the JCE implementation that allow attackers to bypass cryptographic security measures. This flaw enables unauthorized access to sensitive data that would normally be protected by Java's cryptographic framework. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as it can potentially provide complete access to all data accessible through the affected Java components. The fact that this vulnerability affects both client and server deployments of Java systems means that organizations cannot simply isolate the risk to specific application environments. The attack surface is further expanded by the ability to exploit this vulnerability through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets, which are typically considered secure execution environments. Additionally, the vulnerability can be triggered through direct API calls to the affected component without requiring sandboxed execution, making it exploitable through web services and other legitimate application interfaces that utilize the JCE framework.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2618 is substantial for organizations running affected Java versions, as it creates a potential pathway for data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's ability to affect multiple Java versions and deployment scenarios means that comprehensive security assessments are required across all Java-based systems. Organizations that rely on Java applications for business-critical operations face significant risk, particularly those handling confidential data such as financial records, personal information, or proprietary business data. The vulnerability's exploitation through web services and API endpoints creates additional risk for organizations that expose Java-based services to external networks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-310 (Cryptographic Issues) and represents a specific implementation flaw in the cryptographic libraries that could be leveraged by attackers following the techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Cryptography and Key Management tactics. The difficulty to exploit rating suggests that while sophisticated attackers may be able to leverage this vulnerability, the attack complexity requires specific conditions and expertise, though not necessarily advanced technical skills.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability by upgrading to patched versions of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, and JRockit components. The recommended approach includes applying the latest security patches provided by Oracle for all affected versions, which typically involve updating the JCE libraries and cryptographic components. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks. Monitoring and logging mechanisms should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly around cryptographic operations and API calls that might trigger the vulnerability. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across all Java-based systems and applications, paying particular attention to those that utilize JCE functionality for encryption or authentication. Additional protective measures may include disabling unnecessary Java applet and Web Start functionality, implementing network firewalls to restrict access to Java services, and establishing incident response procedures specifically for cryptographic vulnerability exploitation. The vulnerability's classification under CVSS 3.0 vector AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N indicates that network-based attacks with high complexity are possible, making network-level defenses and access controls particularly important. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting the execution of Java applications in untrusted environments to minimize potential attack vectors.