CVE-2018-2798 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: AWT). 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 • 05/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2798 resides within the AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) component of Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, alongside the JRockit runtime environment. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that affects multiple versions including Java SE 6u181, 7u171, 8u162, and 10, along with Java SE Embedded 8u161 and JRockit R28.3.17. The vulnerability operates at the core of Java's graphical user interface framework, specifically within the AWT subsystem that handles windowing operations and user interface elements. The flaw allows for unauthorized access and potential system compromise through network-based attacks without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications are widely deployed. The vulnerability's impact extends across both client and server deployments, meaning that systems running Java applications in any capacity could be at risk.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain AWT operations that can be triggered through multiple network protocols. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending malicious data to APIs within the affected component, bypassing traditional sandboxing mechanisms that typically protect Java applications. The vulnerability's exploitability is classified as easily accessible due to its low attack complexity requirements and the fact that it can be leveraged through various attack vectors including web services, sandboxed Java Web Start applications, and sandboxed Java applets. This multi-vector exploit capability significantly increases the potential attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against. The underlying issue likely involves inadequate input validation or memory management within the AWT component, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate system resources or disrupt normal application operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2798 manifests primarily as a partial denial of service condition that can affect Java SE, Java SE Embedded, and JRockit environments. While the vulnerability does not appear to provide direct access to sensitive data or system privileges, its ability to cause partial system disruption can severely impact business operations, particularly in environments where Java applications are critical to daily operations. The partial denial of service condition can render applications unstable or unresponsive, potentially affecting user productivity and system availability. Organizations running Java-based applications across their infrastructure must consider the cascading effects this vulnerability could have on their operational continuity, especially in mission-critical systems where application availability is paramount. The vulnerability's classification under CVSS 3.0 with a base score of 5.3 indicates a moderate severity level that requires immediate attention and remediation efforts.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Java versions, as Oracle has released updates to address the specific AWT component flaws. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks, particularly for systems running vulnerable versions. The implementation of additional monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should be conducted to ensure that all Java installations are properly updated. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 (Improper Access Control) and CWE-362 (Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization) categories, indicating potential issues with resource management and access control within the affected Java components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1210 (Exploitation of Remote Services) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, as attackers can leverage network-based access to execute malicious payloads and potentially escalate privileges through system exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting Java applet execution in web browsers to reduce the attack surface available to potential exploiters.