CVE-2018-2973 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JSSE). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u191, 7u181, 8u172 and 10.0.1; Java SE Embedded: 8u171. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via SSL/TLS to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized creation, deletion or modification access to critical data or all Java SE, Java SE Embedded accessible data. 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 5.9 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-2973 represents a significant security flaw within the Java Secure Socket Extension component of Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms. This weakness specifically targets the SSL/TLS implementation within these Java runtime environments, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise system integrity without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability affects multiple version lines including Java SE 6u191, 7u181, 8u172, and 10.0.1, as well as Java SE Embedded 8u171, indicating a widespread impact across various Java runtime versions that were actively supported during the affected period. The CVSS score of 5.9 with a high attack complexity rating demonstrates that while exploitation requires network access, the potential impact on data integrity is substantial enough to warrant immediate attention.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Java Secure Socket Extension that processes SSL/TLS connections. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized modifications to critical data or gain access to all data accessible through the affected Java SE and Java SE Embedded implementations. The vulnerability operates through a network-based attack vector where an unauthenticated attacker can exploit the flaw by establishing SSL/TLS connections to vulnerable systems. The security implications extend beyond simple data access, as the flaw enables attackers to create, delete, or modify data within the Java environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data corruption. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where sandboxed Java Web Start applications or applets execute untrusted code from external sources, creating a dangerous attack surface for malicious actors.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2973 is severe for organizations running vulnerable Java deployments, especially those that rely on sandboxed client-side applications for executing untrusted code from the internet. The vulnerability specifically targets client-side Java installations where security is typically enforced through sandboxing mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous for web-based applications that load code from remote servers. Organizations using Java applets or Web Start applications that load content from untrusted sources face significant risk, as attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass the intended security boundaries. The fact that this vulnerability does not affect server-side Java deployments that run only trusted code provides some relief, but the widespread use of client-side Java applications in enterprise environments means that many organizations remain vulnerable. The integrity-focused CVSS vector indicates that while the attack may not directly result in data exposure or system availability issues, the modification capabilities pose a serious threat to data integrity and system reliability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Java installations, with particular emphasis on updating to the latest available versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement network-level controls to restrict access to vulnerable Java applications and consider disabling Java applets and Web Start functionality in browsers where possible. The implementation of proper code signing and certificate validation mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection for environments where Java must remain enabled. Security teams should also conduct thorough assessments of their Java deployment environments to identify all potentially vulnerable systems and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access through application exploitation, and organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-295 which addresses improper certificate validation in secure communication protocols, highlighting the importance of proper SSL/TLS implementation and validation within Java applications.