CVE-2018-2794 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Security). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u181, 7u171, 8u162, 10 and JRockit: R28.3.17. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with logon to the infrastructure where Java SE, JRockit executes to compromise Java SE, JRockit. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, JRockit, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java SE, JRockit. 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 7.7 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2794 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE and JRockit runtime environments that manifests through the Security subcomponent. This vulnerability affects multiple supported versions including Java SE 6u181, 7u171, 8u162, and 10, alongside JRockit R28.3.17, creating a substantial attack surface across various deployment scenarios. The flaw exists in the core security mechanisms of these Java implementations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through multiple vectors including both client and server deployments, thereby extending its potential impact across different operational environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Java Security framework, allowing attackers to potentially bypass security restrictions that should normally protect the runtime environment. This weakness enables an unauthenticated attacker who already has logon access to the system hosting Java SE or JRockit to gain complete control over these components. The exploitation requires a specific combination of conditions including human interaction from individuals other than the primary attacker, suggesting that social engineering or user-based compromise may be necessary to achieve successful exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions, the potential consequences are severe enough to warrant immediate attention.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond the immediate Java components to potentially affect additional products that may interact with or depend on Java SE and JRockit functionality. Successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of the Java runtime environment, providing attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive system resources. The CVSS 3.0 base score of 7.7 reflects the high severity across all impact vectors including confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with the attack vector being local (AV:L) indicating that exploitation requires physical or network access to the target system. The high attack complexity (AC:H) and requirement for user interaction (UI:R) suggest that while not trivial to exploit, the vulnerability presents a significant risk when combined with other attack vectors.
The exploitability of CVE-2018-2794 through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets demonstrates the breadth of attack surfaces that this vulnerability can target, making it particularly concerning for organizations that deploy Java-based applications in web environments. Attackers can leverage web services and APIs within the affected components without requiring sandboxed environments, expanding the potential attack vectors significantly. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and maps to ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence through application-level compromises. Organizations should consider implementing layered security controls including network segmentation, application whitelisting, and regular security updates to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability. The vulnerability's impact on both client and server deployments necessitates comprehensive security assessments across all Java runtime environments within an organization's infrastructure, particularly focusing on the security configurations of web services and application interfaces that may be exposed to external threats.