CVE-2018-2629 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JGSS). 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 require human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized creation, deletion or modification access to critical data or 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 5.3 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2629 represents a significant security flaw within the Java GSS (Generic Security Services) component of Oracle's Java SE platform, including both standard and embedded variants as well as JRockit runtime environments. This vulnerability resides in the Java SE subsystem that handles security services and authentication protocols, specifically affecting versions that include Java SE 6u171, 7u161, 8u152, 9.0.1, Java SE Embedded 8u151, and JRockit R28.3.16. The flaw manifests as a difficulty in exploitation condition that requires specific circumstances to be successfully leveraged by malicious actors. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack vector is accessible, it requires precise conditions and potentially human interaction to achieve successful compromise, making it less straightforward than more direct vulnerabilities but still highly concerning for enterprise security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses within the GSS (Generic Security Services) framework that handles authentication and security protocols in Java applications. This particular flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker with network access to potentially compromise the integrity of Java SE systems through multiple protocols, including those commonly used in web services and application deployments. The vulnerability's impact is specifically categorized under integrity impacts with a CVSS 3.0 base score of 5.3, indicating moderate severity in terms of potential damage to data integrity. The attack vector requires network access (AV:N) and is considered hard to exploit (AC:H) with no privilege requirements (PR:N), but does necessitate human interaction (UI:R) from someone other than the attacker. The vulnerability affects both client and server deployments of Java applications, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited in various operational contexts.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2629 extends across multiple deployment scenarios and application types, including sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets, as well as direct exploitation through APIs without requiring sandboxed environments. This broad applicability means that organizations running Java-based services, whether through traditional desktop applications, web services, or embedded systems, face potential risks from this vulnerability. The successful exploitation could result in unauthorized modification, deletion, or creation access to critical data within the affected Java environments, potentially compromising the integrity of sensitive information and system operations. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited through web services and other API interactions makes it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely heavily on Java-based web applications and service integrations. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and data manipulation through application-level vulnerabilities.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant Oracle security patches and updates, which address the underlying GSS implementation issues. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict unnecessary network access to Java applications, particularly those running vulnerable versions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, and organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to limit the execution of untrusted Java applications. The vulnerability's requirement for human interaction suggests that user education and awareness programs should be strengthened to prevent social engineering attacks that might leverage this weakness. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues within the Java ecosystem, ensuring comprehensive protection against both current and emerging threats targeting Java-based security services.