CVE-2018-2797 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JMX). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u181, 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 • 03/02/2023
This vulnerability resides within the Java Management Extensions component of Oracle Java SE and JRockit runtime environments, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple Java versions including 6u181, 7u171, 8u162, 10, and 8u161 for embedded systems. The flaw specifically targets the JMX subcomponent which provides management and monitoring capabilities for Java applications, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a foundational level of Java's enterprise functionality. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers require minimal prerequisites beyond network access, with no authentication requirements necessary for successful exploitation. This characteristic aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper error handling and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability's impact extends across both client and server deployments of Java, meaning that any system running Java applications, whether in desktop environments or enterprise servers, could be compromised. The CVSS 3.0 score of 5.3 reflects the moderate severity of the availability impact, specifically indicating partial denial of service conditions that could disrupt normal application operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through multiple network protocols and can be initiated from unauthenticated network connections, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Java applications are exposed to external networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various vectors including sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets, which are commonly used in web environments for deploying Java applications. The vulnerability's reach is further extended beyond sandboxed environments, as it can also be exploited through direct API data injection without requiring the use of sandboxed applications. This broader exploitation surface means that web services and other network-facing Java applications become potential targets, as demonstrated by ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers exploitation of remote services. The partial denial of service impact suggests that while complete system compromise may not occur, the vulnerability can disrupt Java application functionality and potentially cause cascading failures in dependent systems. The fact that this vulnerability affects JRockit, Oracle's Java virtual machine, indicates that it impacts both standard Java deployments and specialized embedded systems, making the attack surface particularly broad.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the integrity and availability of critical Java-based systems across enterprise environments. Organizations running affected Java versions face significant risk as attackers can exploit this vulnerability to cause partial denial of service conditions that may affect business-critical applications, database connections, and enterprise management systems that rely on JMX for monitoring and control. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited through web services makes it particularly dangerous for organizations with public-facing Java applications, as it could lead to sustained availability issues that impact customer access and business operations. Security teams must consider the implications of this vulnerability in their risk assessment frameworks, particularly when evaluating the security posture of systems that utilize Java Management Extensions for monitoring and management functions. The vulnerability's presence in both standard Java SE and embedded versions indicates that organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected systems, including those running in industrial control systems or embedded devices where Java SE Embedded might be deployed. Organizations should also consider the broader implications for their network security posture, as this vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities that might be present in the same environments. The vulnerability's exploitation characteristics make it particularly concerning for organizations that have not yet implemented proper network segmentation or application isolation measures, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to management functions and potentially escalate privileges through additional exploitation vectors.