CVE-2018-2972 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Security). The supported version that is affected is Java SE: 10.0.1. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to critical data or complete access to all Java SE accessible data. 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 5.9 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2972 resides within Oracle Java SE's security subsystem, specifically affecting version 10.0.1 of the Java runtime environment. This issue represents a significant security weakness that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers over network connections using multiple protocols. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack vector requires some technical skill or specific conditions, the potential impact is severe enough to warrant immediate attention. The affected component operates across both client and server deployments of Java, making it particularly dangerous as it can compromise systems regardless of their role in the network architecture.
The technical flaw manifests in the Java SE security component's handling of authentication and authorization processes, allowing attackers to bypass normal security boundaries. This vulnerability specifically targets the security mechanisms that protect critical data within Java SE environments, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive information or complete data compromise. The attack can be executed through various means including sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets, which are commonly used for deploying Java applications in web environments. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited through direct API interactions without requiring the sandboxed environment, making it more versatile and dangerous as it can be triggered through web services or other direct application programming interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can result in complete access to all data accessible through Java SE components. This comprehensive access capability means that attackers could potentially exfiltrate entire databases, compromise user credentials, or gain control over critical system functions. The CVSS 3.0 base score of 5.9 indicates a medium severity vulnerability with high confidentiality impact, suggesting that while exploitation may be challenging, the potential damage is substantial. The vulnerability's network accessibility and the fact that it affects both client and server deployments means that organizations must consider their entire Java ecosystem when assessing risk, including web applications, desktop applications, and server-side services that utilize Java SE.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching of affected Java SE installations to version 10.0.2 or later. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit unnecessary access to Java applications and services, particularly those exposed to external networks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in Java application behavior or unauthorized data access attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) categories related to security bypass mechanisms and inadequate authentication provides guidance for implementing appropriate controls. According to ATT&CK framework considerations, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, making it particularly dangerous for adversaries seeking to establish persistent access to systems. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other Java components and related applications, ensuring comprehensive protection against exploitation attempts that could leverage this and similar security flaws.