CVE-2018-2826 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 critical security flaw that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers over network protocols. The vulnerability's difficulty level indicates it requires specific conditions for exploitation, yet its potential impact is severe enough to warrant immediate attention. The CVSS 3.0 score of 8.3 reflects high severity across all impact vectors including confidentiality, integrity, and availability, making this a significant threat to Java deployments. The attack vector AV:N indicates network accessibility, while AC:H suggests high attack complexity, though the vulnerability can be triggered through multiple protocols, expanding its exploitation surface.
The technical flaw manifests in how Java SE handles untrusted code execution within sandboxed environments, particularly affecting Java Web Start applications and applets that operate in restricted security contexts. This vulnerability specifically targets deployments where users interact with potentially malicious code downloaded from untrusted sources, leveraging the Java sandbox mechanism as a point of compromise. The requirement for human interaction through UI:R indicates that successful exploitation typically necessitates user engagement, such as clicking on malicious content or launching compromised applications, though the underlying flaw allows for complete system compromise once initiated. The S:C classification reveals that the vulnerability can cause cascading impacts across additional products beyond the primary Java SE component, amplifying its potential damage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of the Java SE environment, potentially leading to full system compromise. This is particularly concerning in client environments where Java applets and Web Start applications are commonly used, as these represent frequent attack vectors for enterprise networks. The vulnerability's applicability to client-side deployments that load untrusted code from the internet makes it especially dangerous in corporate environments where users regularly access external web resources. Organizations running Java-based applications in client environments face significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and lateral movement attacks when this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment for all affected Java SE 10 installations, particularly those running in client environments with sandboxed applications. Organizations should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as well as disable or restrict Java applet and Web Start functionality where possible. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) which emphasizes the importance of validating input and implementing proper sandbox isolation. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user permissions for Java runtime environments to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the enterprise infrastructure.