CVE-2018-2811 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Install). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 8u162 and 10. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with logon to the infrastructure where Java SE executes to compromise Java SE. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java SE. Note: Applies to installation process on client deployment of Java. 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).
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-2811 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE's installation process, specifically affecting Java SE versions 8u162 and 10. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-284 which deals with improper access control, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting local privileges to gain unauthorized access. The flaw exists in the installation subcomponent of Java SE, making it particularly dangerous as it targets the very process through which Java applications are deployed and executed on client systems. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions to be met, the potential impact is severe enough to warrant immediate attention from security professionals.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate security controls during the Java installation process, allowing an attacker with access to the target system to compromise the Java SE environment. The CVSS 3.0 score of 7.7 reflects the high severity of the impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability aspects. The attack vector is classified as local (AV:L) meaning the attacker needs physical or network access to the system where Java SE is installed, but the attack complexity is high (AC:H) which suggests that additional conditions must be satisfied. The vulnerability requires human interaction (UI:R) from someone other than the attacker, indicating that social engineering or manipulation of legitimate users may be necessary to successfully exploit the flaw. The scope of the vulnerability is considered changed (S:C), meaning that while the vulnerability exists within Java SE, successful exploitation can have cascading effects on other products and systems that rely on or interact with the compromised Java environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple compromise of the Java runtime environment. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability can result in complete takeover of the Java SE installation, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Java process. This can lead to further lateral movement within networks where Java is installed, as the compromised system may serve as a foothold for accessing other resources. The vulnerability's application to client deployment scenarios means that end-user systems are at risk, not just server environments, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where Java applications are commonly installed on desktop computers. Organizations that deploy Java applications through client installations face significant risk, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access points within their networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2811 should focus on immediate patching of affected Java SE versions, specifically addressing the installation process vulnerabilities in Java 8u162 and 10. System administrators should implement strict access controls and monitor installation activities to detect unauthorized modifications. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting user permissions during the Java installation process. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized Java installations and regularly audit their Java environments for compliance with security standards. Additional protective measures include network segmentation to limit access to systems where Java is installed, regular security assessments of Java deployment processes, and employee training to recognize potential social engineering attempts that could facilitate exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation approach should align with industry best practices for Java security management and incorporate the recommendations from Oracle's security advisories to ensure comprehensive protection against this and similar installation-based vulnerabilities.