CVE-2018-2942 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Windows DLL). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u181 and 8u172. 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: Applies to client and server deployment of Java. This vulnerability can be exploited through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and sandboxed Java applets. It can also be exploited by supplying data to APIs in the specified Component without using sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, such as through a web service. 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
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2942 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE's Windows DLL component that affects specific versions including Java SE 7u181 and 8u172. This vulnerability operates at the core of Java's security architecture, specifically targeting the dynamic link library functionality that Windows systems utilize for executing Java applications. The flaw manifests as a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers who gain network access through multiple protocols, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications are extensively deployed. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions to be met, the potential impact when successfully exploited is severe and can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of input data within the Windows DLL handling mechanisms of Java SE. Attackers can leverage this flaw through various attack vectors including sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets, which are commonly used in web environments to execute Java code within browsers. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited through APIs in the specified component without requiring sandboxed applications means that even legitimate web services or applications that interact with Java components can become attack vectors. The requirement for human interaction indicates that social engineering or user manipulation may be necessary to complete the attack chain, though this does not mitigate the severity of the underlying flaw. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves gaining access to systems through user interaction, while also demonstrating the complexity of modern attack surfaces in enterprise Java environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2942 extends far beyond simple system compromise, as successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of Java SE environments, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Java runtime. The CVSS 3.0 base score of 8.3 reflects the high severity across all impact vectors including confidentiality, integrity, and availability, indicating that an attacker could potentially access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or cause complete system outages. The vulnerability affects both client and server deployments of Java, meaning that desktop systems, servers, and web applications all face potential exposure. The fact that this vulnerability can be exploited through web services and APIs makes it particularly concerning for organizations that rely on Java-based web applications or service integrations, as these attack vectors are often less monitored than traditional network-based attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including prompt patching of affected Java SE versions to address this vulnerability, as well as network segmentation and firewall rules that limit access to Java applications from untrusted networks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced when deploying Java applications, limiting the capabilities of Java processes and reducing potential attack surface. Additional monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous behavior in Java Web Start applications or applet usage patterns, as these represent primary exploitation vectors. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary Java features in web browsers and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized Java execution. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation," underscores the importance of validating all inputs within Java applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of Java-based systems. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date Java installations and implementing robust security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts in real-time.