CVE-2018-2952 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Concurrency). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u191, 7u181, 8u172 and 10.0.1; Java SE Embedded: 8u171; JRockit: R28.3.18. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. 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 3.7 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2023
This vulnerability resides within the concurrency component of Oracle Java SE and JRockit runtime environments, specifically affecting versions including Java SE 6u191, 7u181, 8u172, and 10.0.1, along with Java SE Embedded 8u171 and JRockit R28.3.18. The flaw manifests as a concurrency-related issue that can be exploited through multiple network protocols without requiring authentication, making it particularly concerning for environments where Java applications are deployed in server configurations. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack surface is accessible, successful exploitation requires specific conditions that may not be easily achieved in all environments. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 3.7 reflects the availability impact with low complexity and no privilege requirements, suggesting that an attacker can cause partial denial of service without needing elevated permissions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling within Java's concurrency mechanisms, which are fundamental to multi-threaded applications. When multiple threads interact with shared resources or execute concurrent operations, the flaw can lead to unpredictable behavior that manifests as partial denial of service conditions. This type of vulnerability often involves race conditions, memory management issues, or improper synchronization primitives that allow attackers to disrupt normal application operation. The impact is particularly significant because Java applications are widely deployed across enterprise environments, making the potential for widespread disruption substantial. The vulnerability's applicability to both client and server deployments means that organizations cannot simply isolate the risk to server environments, as client-side applications are equally susceptible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the reliability and availability of critical Java-based applications. Attackers can exploit this weakness through various vectors including sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets, which means that even users who might not directly interact with Java applications could be affected through malicious web content. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited through web services and APIs without requiring sandboxed environments significantly broadens the attack surface, as it allows exploitation through legitimate application interfaces. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate user access and T1071 for application layer protocols, demonstrating how this vulnerability can be leveraged through standard network communications. Organizations deploying Java applications in production environments face increased risk of service degradation, particularly in high-availability systems where partial denial of service can have cascading effects throughout the infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Java versions to address the underlying concurrency flaw. Organizations must prioritize updating their Java installations to versions that contain the appropriate fixes, particularly given that the vulnerability affects multiple Java SE versions and the JRockit runtime. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure, though the vulnerability's nature as a partial denial of service means that even limited network access could enable exploitation. The implementation of application whitelisting and sandboxing measures can provide additional protection layers, particularly for environments where updating Java versions is not immediately possible. Monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns or application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts should be part of the security operations routine. Organizations should also consider the broader implications of Java application deployment and evaluate their overall security posture regarding Java-based services, as this vulnerability demonstrates the potential for network-based attacks against fundamental runtime components. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-362 (Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization) highlights the specific nature of the concurrency flaw that needs to be addressed through proper code review and security testing of Java applications.