CVE-2018-2783 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Security). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u181, 7u161 and 8u152; Java SE Embedded: 8u152; JRockit: R28.3.17. 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 creation, deletion or modification access to critical data or all Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit accessible data as well as unauthorized access to critical data or complete access to all Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit accessible data. Note: 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 7.4 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N).
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2023
This vulnerability resides within the security subsystem of Oracle Java SE and JRockit runtime environments, representing a critical weakness in the authentication and authorization mechanisms that govern access to sensitive data and system resources. The flaw affects multiple Java runtime versions including Java SE 6u181, 7u161, and 8u152, along with Java SE Embedded 8u152 and JRockit R28.3.17, indicating a widespread impact across different Java deployment scenarios. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit suggests that while the attack vector is accessible, specific conditions must be met for successful exploitation, making it particularly concerning for organizations with exposed Java services. This weakness specifically targets the security component of Java SE, which governs how the runtime environment handles authentication, authorization, and data protection mechanisms that are fundamental to maintaining system integrity and data confidentiality.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to compromise the entire Java runtime environment through network-based attacks that can utilize multiple protocols, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications are frequently exposed to external networks. The attack can occur through both sandboxed Java Web Start applications and sandboxed Java applets, which are typically considered secure execution environments, but the vulnerability demonstrates that proper isolation mechanisms can be bypassed. Additionally, the flaw can be exploited through direct API interactions without requiring sandboxed execution contexts, expanding the potential attack surface significantly. The vulnerability's ability to affect both client and server deployments of Java indicates that it can be leveraged in various attack scenarios, from client-side exploitation in web browsers to server-side compromises in enterprise applications. This characteristic aligns with the CWE-284 access control weakness category, which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to perform unauthorized modifications to critical data and gain complete access to all data accessible through the affected Java runtime environments. The confidentiality and integrity impacts are rated as high, indicating that attackers could not only access sensitive information but also modify or delete critical system data. The CVSS 3.0 score of 7.4 demonstrates a significant risk level that requires immediate attention from security teams, particularly given that the vulnerability affects multiple Java versions and deployment scenarios. Organizations running Java applications in production environments face substantial risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's exploitation through web services and APIs also means that organizations with exposed web applications or service interfaces are particularly vulnerable to this attack vector, as these interfaces often provide direct access to backend systems without proper additional security controls.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant Oracle security patches and updates as soon as they become available, which typically address the root cause of the access control weakness in the Java runtime security subsystem. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to Java applications and services, particularly those exposed to untrusted networks or the internet. Additional security controls such as application whitelisting, intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments should be deployed to monitor for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's impact on both client and server deployments necessitates comprehensive security monitoring across all Java runtime environments, including those running in embedded systems or specialized Java implementations like JRockit. Security teams should also consider implementing additional authentication and authorization controls beyond the default Java security model, as the vulnerability demonstrates that even sandboxed execution environments can be bypassed under certain conditions. This aligns with the ATT&CK framework's concept of privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, where attackers leverage weaknesses in application security controls to gain unauthorized access to system resources. Regular security awareness training for developers and system administrators should also be conducted to ensure proper understanding of the security implications of Java application deployment and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all Java runtime environments.