CVE-2018-2964 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Deployment). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 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
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2964 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE's deployment component that affects specific versions including Java SE 8u172 and 10.0.1. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of Java's sandboxing mechanisms and network-based attack vectors, creating a significant risk for systems that execute untrusted code from remote sources. The affected Java deployments typically occur in client environments where Java Web Start applications or applets are executed, leveraging the sandbox security model to protect against malicious code execution. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack surface exists, successful exploitation requires specific conditions and user interaction, making it less straightforward than fully automated threats but still highly concerning for organizations relying on Java-based client applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Java deployment framework that allows attackers to bypass sandbox restrictions when executing untrusted code. This flaw operates through multiple network protocols and can be triggered by network-based attackers who do not require authentication to initiate attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond the immediate Java SE component as indicated by the CVSS score of 8.3, which reflects high severity across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains. The attack requires human interaction, meaning that users must perform specific actions such as clicking on malicious links or downloading compromised applets for the exploit to succeed, though this interaction requirement does not diminish the overall threat level significantly.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2964 is substantial as successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of the Java SE environment, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Java runtime. This vulnerability specifically targets client-side Java deployments that rely on sandboxing for security, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently interact with internet-based content through Java-enabled browsers or applications. The fact that this vulnerability can significantly impact additional products demonstrates its potential for cascading effects, where compromise of a single Java component can lead to broader system infiltration. Organizations with extensive client-side Java usage, particularly those running older Java versions or those that have not implemented proper security patches, face elevated risk of compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2964 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java versions to the latest security updates provided by Oracle, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. System administrators should implement network-level controls to restrict Java applet and Web Start application execution, particularly in environments where these technologies are not essential for business operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by disabling Java in web browsers where possible and removing Java from client systems that do not require it for legitimate business functions. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual Java process behavior and network connections to identify potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-248, which addresses exposure of an exception to an unexpected environment, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application layer execution through Java applets. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to isolate systems that may be vulnerable to such attacks and establish robust incident response procedures that account for Java-based exploitation vectors. The CVSS vector analysis indicates that while the attack complexity is high, the potential impact is severe, making this vulnerability a critical priority for security teams to address immediately through comprehensive patch management and operational security improvements.