CVE-2018-2677 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. Easily exploitable 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. 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. 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 4.3 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/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 Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT) 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, 9.0.1, and Java SE Embedded 8u151. The vulnerability operates under CWE-200, which classifies it as an information exposure through a vulnerability in the Java runtime environment's windowing system. The flaw manifests as an easily exploitable security weakness that can be leveraged by unauthenticated attackers who gain network access through various protocols, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Java applications are executed in sandboxed environments. The vulnerability's classification as CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.3 with an availability impact vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L) indicates that while it does not permit unauthorized information disclosure or modification, it can successfully execute partial denial of service attacks against affected Java deployments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires human interaction from users who are not the attackers themselves, typically occurring when end users execute sandboxed Java Web Start applications or applets that load untrusted code from the internet. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting application weaknesses in sandboxed environments where trusted code is executed in contexts that should provide security boundaries. The vulnerability specifically targets Java deployments that operate in client-side environments where security relies on the Java sandbox mechanism, particularly affecting scenarios where applications load code from untrusted sources such as web applications or network resources. The attack scenario demonstrates how the Java runtime's AWT component can be manipulated to cause partial denial of service conditions, which can severely impact user productivity and system availability in environments where Java applications are heavily relied upon.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2677 extends beyond simple service disruption to create potential business continuity issues in environments where Java-based applications are critical for operations. Organizations running Java clients that execute web-based applications or applets are particularly vulnerable, as users may unknowingly trigger the exploit through normal web browsing activities. The vulnerability's applicability to both Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms indicates it affects a broad range of deployment scenarios from desktop applications to embedded systems where Java runtime environments are present. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability specifically excludes server-side Java deployments that execute only trusted code, highlighting the importance of proper deployment architecture and the principle of least privilege in Java security configurations. The partial denial of service impact means that while complete system compromise is not typically achievable, the vulnerability can significantly impair application functionality and user experience, making it a critical concern for enterprise security teams managing Java-based environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate version upgrades to patched Java releases, as Oracle has addressed this issue in subsequent updates to the affected versions. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Java clients to untrusted networks and web resources. The deployment of Java security policies and the careful management of applet and Web Start execution permissions can help reduce the attack surface. Additionally, security awareness training for end users can help prevent accidental exploitation through social engineering or phishing attacks that might deliver malicious Java content. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual Java-related network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework's identify and protect functions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive asset inventory and security configuration management. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of Java-based environments can help identify and remediate similar weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.