CVE-2018-2825 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Libraries). The supported version that is affected is Java SE: 10. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols 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: This vulnerability applies to Java deployments, typically in clients running sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, that load and run untrusted code (e.g., code that comes from the internet) and rely on the Java sandbox for security. This vulnerability does not apply to Java deployments, typically in servers, that load and run only trusted code (e.g., code installed by an administrator). CVSS 3.0 Base Score 8.3 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2025
This vulnerability resides within the Java SE Libraries component of Oracle Java SE version 10, representing a significant security weakness that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers over network protocols. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack vector is accessible, successful exploitation requires specific conditions and circumstances. The CVSS 3.0 score of 8.3 reflects high severity across all impact categories including confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with a network access vector that requires human interaction for successful compromise. The vulnerability specifically targets Java deployments in client environments where sandboxed applications execute untrusted code from internet sources, making it particularly dangerous in web browsing contexts.
The technical flaw manifests in the Java SE Libraries subsystem where insufficient validation or protection mechanisms exist to prevent malicious code execution within sandboxed environments. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a potential CWE-248, representing an unchecked exception or improper handling of untrusted input within Java's security model. Attackers can leverage this weakness through multiple network protocols to execute code that ultimately compromises the entire Java SE runtime environment. The requirement for human interaction suggests that users must perform specific actions such as clicking on malicious links or downloading compromised applets for the exploit to succeed, though once initiated, the attack can have severe consequences.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple Java SE compromise, as successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover and potentially affect additional products that rely on Java infrastructure. This cascading effect aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques for privilege escalation and persistence, where initial access through the Java vulnerability can be leveraged for broader system compromise. The vulnerability specifically targets client-side Java applications such as Java Web Start applications and applets that operate within sandboxed environments, creating a false sense of security for users who believe their system is protected by Java's security boundaries. Organizations running servers with trusted code execution are not directly impacted by this vulnerability, highlighting the importance of proper application deployment strategies.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate patching of affected Java SE 10 installations, along with implementing network-level controls to restrict access to potentially malicious content. Security administrators should disable Java applets and Web Start applications in browsers and desktop environments where they are not absolutely required. The implementation of application whitelisting policies and network segmentation can significantly reduce the attack surface for exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of executing untrusted code and the importance of verifying software sources becomes critical in defending against social engineering aspects of this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and monitoring for unauthorized Java installations help maintain defense in depth against potential exploitation attempts.