CVE-2018-2938 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Java DB). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u191, 7u181 and 8u172. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE. 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 can only be exploited by supplying data to APIs in the specified Component without using Untrusted Java Web Start applications or Untrusted Java applets, such as through a web service. CVE-2018-2938 addresses CVE-2018-1313. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 9.0 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2938 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE's Java DB component, specifically affecting Java SE versions 6u191, 7u181, and 8u172. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a weakness related to insufficient input validation and inadequate data sanitization within database operations. The flaw manifests when unauthenticated attackers can supply malicious data to APIs within the affected Java DB component without requiring Java Web Start applications or applets, making it particularly dangerous in web service environments where data flows continuously from external sources. The vulnerability's classification as CVSS 3.0 Base Score 9.0 indicates a high-severity threat that can compromise all three core security tenets of confidentiality, integrity, and availability simultaneously.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2018-2938 requires network access and leverages multiple protocols to deliver malicious payloads that can compromise the Java SE runtime environment. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a technique involving data manipulation and system compromise through application-level attacks. The attack vector specifically targets APIs within the Java DB component, where attackers can inject malformed data that triggers unexpected behavior in the database engine. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond the immediate Java SE component as it can significantly affect additional Oracle products that depend on Java DB functionality, creating a cascading effect throughout enterprise environments that utilize Oracle's Java-based solutions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability presents severe consequences for organizations running affected Java SE versions, as successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of the Java SE environment. This compromise allows attackers to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, and potentially establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The difficulty to exploit rating of this vulnerability indicates that while it requires specific conditions to be met, the attack surface remains broad due to the common usage of Java DB in web services and enterprise applications. Organizations utilizing affected versions must understand that even a single vulnerable web service endpoint could provide attackers with a pathway to compromise entire Java SE installations, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations with extensive Java-based deployments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2938 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Java SE versions to the latest security updates provided by Oracle. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable web services to untrusted networks. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls can help detect and prevent malicious data injection attempts targeting the Java DB APIs. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected Java SE installations and ensure that proper monitoring and logging are in place to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for Java applications and regularly review API access controls to minimize potential attack vectors that could lead to exploitation of this vulnerability.