CVE-2018-2796 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Concurrency). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u171, 8u162 and 10; Java SE Embedded: 8u161; JRockit: R28.3.17. Easily exploitable 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 ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, 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 5.3 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2796 resides within the concurrency subsystem of Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, specifically affecting JRockit runtime environments. This flaw manifests in the handling of concurrent operations and represents a significant security weakness that can be exploited without authentication. The vulnerability affects multiple Java versions including Java SE 7u171, 8u162, and 10, Java SE Embedded 8u161, and JRockit R28.3.17. The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of concurrent thread operations that can lead to resource exhaustion and partial denial of service conditions. This issue falls under CWE-400 which specifically addresses "Uncontrolled Resource Consumption" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.100 which covers "Endpoint Denial of Service" through resource exhaustion attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2796 extends across both client and server deployments of Java applications, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications serve critical business functions. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through multiple network protocols without requiring any authentication credentials, making it easily accessible to malicious actors. The vulnerability's exploitability is further enhanced by its ability to be triggered through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets, as well as through direct API interactions with the affected component. This dual exploitation pathway significantly broadens the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 5.3 reflects the moderate severity of the availability impact, with a base score of 5.3 indicating a partial denial of service condition that can disrupt normal Java application operations.
The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in partial denial of service conditions that compromise the availability of Java applications and services. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows attackers to consume system resources in a manner that degrades application performance or causes partial service disruption. The attack can be executed through various vectors including network-based protocols, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Java applications are exposed to external networks. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited through both sandboxed and non-sandboxed environments means that traditional security boundaries may not provide adequate protection. Organizations using Java-based applications must consider this vulnerability as a potential threat to their operational continuity, especially in mission-critical systems where availability is paramount. The security implications extend beyond simple service disruption to potentially affect business operations and customer-facing applications that depend on Java runtime environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2796 should focus on immediate patching of affected Java installations, as Oracle has released security updates to address this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Java applications and services, particularly those running vulnerable versions of Java SE. Monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts can provide early warning of potential attacks. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary Java functionality in web browsers and application environments where the vulnerability could be exploited through sandboxed applications. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments of Java-based systems can help reduce the risk of successful exploitation. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious network activity associated with resource exhaustion attacks. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that Java installations remain secure against similar vulnerabilities and that existing mitigations remain effective against evolving threat landscapes.