CVE-2018-2799 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JAXP). 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 • 03/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2799 represents a significant security flaw within the Java SE ecosystem, specifically affecting the Java XML Processing (JAXP) component. This vulnerability exists in multiple Java runtime environments including standard Java SE, Java SE Embedded, and Oracle JRockit, making it particularly dangerous due to its widespread impact across different deployment scenarios. The affected versions include Java SE 7u171, 8u162, and 10, Java SE Embedded 8u161, and JRockit R28.3.17, indicating this flaw has persisted across several major release lines. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable means that malicious actors can leverage network-based attacks without requiring authentication or specialized privileges, presenting a substantial risk to organizations relying on Java applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient input validation within the JAXP processing capabilities, which can be triggered through multiple network protocols. This flaw allows attackers to craft malicious input that when processed by the affected Java components can lead to partial denial of service conditions. The vulnerability specifically impacts the availability aspect of the system as indicated by the CVSS 3.0 base score of 5.3, where the availability impact is rated as low. The attack vector requires network access and can be executed through various means including sandboxed Java Web Start applications, sandboxed Java applets, or by directly supplying data to APIs within the affected component. This multi-vector exploit capability significantly increases the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2799 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can compromise the integrity of Java-based applications deployed across client and server environments. Organizations utilizing Java applications, particularly those exposed to external networks, face substantial risk from this vulnerability as it can be exploited through web services without requiring sandboxed environments. The partial denial of service condition can result in reduced application functionality or performance degradation, potentially affecting business operations and user experience. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210, which covers exploitation of remote services through input validation flaws. The widespread deployment of affected Java versions across enterprise environments means that organizations may experience cascading effects throughout their infrastructure, as the vulnerability can be exploited through multiple attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Java installations, particularly given the ease of exploitation and the broad range of affected versions. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of affected Java applications to untrusted networks, and consider disabling unnecessary Java runtime functionality where possible. The Java SE platform should be updated to versions that contain the security fixes for this vulnerability, with particular attention to the affected release lines including Java 7, 8, and 10. Additional protective measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input attempts. Given the vulnerability's ability to be exploited through web services and APIs, organizations should also review their API security implementations and consider additional input validation measures beyond what the Java platform provides. The CVSS vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L indicates that while the attack requires no user interaction or privileges, it can still cause availability impacts, making it crucial for organizations to implement comprehensive security measures across their Java deployment environments.