CVE-2018-2940 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Libraries). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u191, 7u181, 8u172 and 10.0.1; Java SE Embedded: 8u171. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of Java SE, Java SE Embedded accessible data. 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 4.3 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2940 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms that affects multiple version streams including Java 6u191, 7u181, 8u172, 10.0.1, and the embedded variant 8u171. This vulnerability resides within the Libraries subcomponent of Java SE and operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-250, which encompasses "Execute Code from Untrusted Source" and related privilege escalation issues. The flaw manifests as an easily exploitable security weakness that permits unauthenticated network-based attacks against Java deployments, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Java applications are executed in sandboxed environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of untrusted code execution within the Java sandbox environment, specifically when applications load and execute code from untrusted sources such as internet-based web applications. The vulnerability requires human interaction from users other than the attacker, suggesting that exploitation typically occurs through social engineering or user deception tactics where individuals unknowingly execute malicious code within the Java sandbox. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and related execution methods that bypass security controls through user interaction.
Operational impact assessment reveals that successful exploitation can result in unauthorized read access to sensitive data within the Java SE and Java SE Embedded environments, with the confidentiality impact rated at CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.3. The vulnerability specifically targets deployments running in client environments such as sandboxed Java Web Start applications or applets, which are typically used for internet-based applications. The security implications extend beyond simple data theft as the vulnerability undermines the fundamental security model of Java sandboxes, potentially allowing attackers to access data that should be restricted. This vulnerability does not affect server-side deployments that execute only trusted code, indicating that the risk is primarily concentrated in client-side applications and user-facing environments.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2940 should prioritize immediate patch deployment across all affected Java versions, particularly focusing on the specific builds mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict Java application access where possible, while also considering disabling Java applets and Web Start applications in browsers. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, conducting comprehensive security assessments of Java-based applications, and establishing monitoring protocols to detect unauthorized Java code execution. The vulnerability's classification under CVSS 3.0 vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N indicates that network-based attacks are feasible with low attack complexity, no prior privileges required, and requires user interaction, making comprehensive defensive measures essential for protecting against exploitation attempts.