CVE-2018-2941 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JavaFX). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u181, 8u172 and 10.0.1. 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 • 04/17/2023
This vulnerability resides within the JavaFX component of Oracle Java SE, specifically affecting versions 7u181, 8u172, and 10.0.1. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that operates at the intersection of Java application sandboxing and network-based exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions for successful compromise, the attack surface remains significant due to the widespread deployment of affected Java versions across enterprise environments. The CVSS 3.0 score of 8.3 reflects high severity across all impact vectors, with confidentiality, integrity, and availability all rated as high impact, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of potential damage.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through network-based attacks that require unauthenticated access via multiple protocols, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Java applications are deployed in client-side configurations. The attack requires human interaction from users who are not the attackers themselves, typically manifesting when individuals execute sandboxed Java Web Start applications or applets that load untrusted code from internet sources. This user interaction component creates a social engineering aspect to the vulnerability, as attackers must convince targets to execute malicious code within the Java sandbox environment. The vulnerability's applicability to client-side deployments that rely on Java sandbox security mechanisms represents a fundamental flaw in the trust model of Java's security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple compromise of Java SE components to potentially affect additional products that depend on Java infrastructure. Successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of Java SE environments, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Java runtime. This represents a severe escalation from the initial network-based access, as it provides attackers with persistent control over affected systems. The vulnerability's designation as affecting sandboxed applications means that even systems with proper network segmentation may be compromised if users interact with malicious Java content, creating a significant risk for organizations where users have access to internet resources.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through patch management for affected Java versions, as the vulnerability's low exploitability threshold combined with its high impact potential creates a significant risk profile. The attack vector through Java applets and Web Start applications means that organizations must also review their deployment policies to limit exposure to untrusted code sources. Security controls should include network segmentation to prevent unnecessary Java runtime execution, application whitelisting to restrict Java application usage, and user education to prevent social engineering attacks that leverage this vulnerability. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and represents a critical gap in the principle of least privilege, as it allows attackers to bypass sandbox protections that should prevent code execution outside of trusted boundaries. The ATT&CK framework would classify this as a privilege escalation technique through application sandbox bypass, potentially enabling further lateral movement within affected networks and persistent access through compromised Java runtime environments.