CVE-2018-3149 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JNDI). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u201, 7u191, 8u182 and 11; Java SE Embedded: 8u181; JRockit: R28.3.19. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. Note: This vulnerability applies to Java deployments, typically in clients running sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets (in Java SE 8), that load and run untrusted code (e.g. code that comes from the internet) and rely on the Java sandbox for security. This vulnerability can also be exploited by using APIs in the specified Component, e.g. through a web service which supplies data to the APIs. 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 • 05/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3149 resides within the Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI) component of Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, alongside the JRockit runtime environment. This issue represents a critical security flaw that affects multiple Java versions including Java SE 6u201, 7u191, 8u182, and 11, along with Java SE Embedded 8u181 and JRockit R28.3.19. The vulnerability operates at the core of Java's naming infrastructure and presents a significant risk to systems that utilize Java-based applications and services. The affected JNDI component handles directory services and naming operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit Java application security boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of untrusted data within the JNDI lookup mechanism, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. This flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to compromise Java deployments through network-based attacks using multiple protocols. The vulnerability requires human interaction from users other than the attacker, meaning that successful exploitation typically occurs when users interact with malicious content within Java Web Start applications or applets. The attack vector leverages the Java sandbox mechanisms that are designed to contain untrusted code execution, but the flaw allows bypassing these security boundaries. According to the CVSS 3.0 scoring system, this vulnerability carries a base score of 8.3, indicating high severity with impacts across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3149 extends beyond the immediate Java platforms, potentially affecting additional products that rely on Java-based services and components. This vulnerability particularly targets Java deployments in client environments where sandboxed applications execute untrusted code from internet sources, creating a dangerous environment for exploitation. The attack requires that applications load and execute untrusted code while depending on the Java sandbox for protection, which becomes ineffective due to this vulnerability. The exploitation process involves APIs within the affected component, making web services that process external data particularly vulnerable. Organizations running Java-based applications, especially those that process data from external sources or support user-generated content, face significant risk from this vulnerability.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and CWE-471 (Modification of Assumed-Immutable Data) within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) as attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access and execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit yet highly impactful reflects the complexity of the attack requirements while emphasizing the severity of potential consequences. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and application whitelisting as additional protective measures, while ensuring immediate patching of affected Java versions to prevent exploitation of this critical vulnerability. The incident highlights the importance of continuous security monitoring and timely patch management for Java-based environments, particularly those that process untrusted data or support internet-facing applications.