CVE-2018-2641 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: AWT). 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 network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, Java SE Embedded, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized creation, deletion or modification access to critical data or all Java SE, Java SE Embedded accessible data. 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 6.1 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2641 resides within the AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) component of Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple version lines including Java SE 6u171, 7u161, 8u152, and 9.0.1 along with Java SE Embedded 8u151. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification CWE-284, specifically addressing improper access control mechanisms within the Java runtime environment. The flaw manifests as a difficulty in exploitation scenario requiring network access through multiple protocols while maintaining the characteristic of an unauthenticated attack vector, making it particularly concerning for environments where sandboxed applications execute untrusted code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls within the AWT subsystem that governs graphical user interface components in Java applications. When Java applications execute within sandboxed environments such as Java Web Start applications or applets loaded from untrusted sources, the security boundaries established by the Java sandbox become compromised. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized modifications to critical data accessible through the Java runtime environment, though the attack requires human interaction beyond the initial network compromise. This human interaction requirement typically involves user engagement with malicious content such as clicking on infected web pages or executing compromised applets, which aligns with the CVSS vector indicating user interaction as a necessary component for successful exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2641 extends beyond simple data integrity compromise, as it can potentially enable attackers to create, delete, or modify critical system data within the scope of accessible Java applications. The security implications are particularly severe in client environments where Java applications run untrusted code, as demonstrated by the CVSS 3.0 base score of 6.1 with integrity impacts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would align with techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence within application contexts. The affected Java deployments typically occur in client-side environments where applications load content from the internet rather than server-side installations running trusted code, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for web-based attack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Java versions, as Oracle released updates addressing this specific weakness. Organizations should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict unnecessary Java runtime execution, particularly in environments where untrusted code might be encountered. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting Java application permissions and ensuring that only trusted applications have elevated access rights within the Java sandbox. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of executing untrusted code from internet sources remains crucial, as the vulnerability requires human interaction to achieve successful exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of Java application behavior that deviates from normal operations, particularly around data modification activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's impact on additional products beyond Java SE and Embedded platforms underscores the need for comprehensive security assessments across all systems that may interact with affected Java deployments, making this a critical consideration for enterprise security architectures.