CVE-2018-3157 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Sound). The supported version that is affected is Java SE: 11. 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 read access to a subset of Java SE accessible data. Note: This vulnerability applies to Java deployments 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 3.7 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3157 resides within the Java SE component of Oracle's Java platform, specifically within the Sound subcomponent that handles audio processing functionalities. This vulnerability affects Java SE version 11 and represents a security flaw that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers who gain network access through multiple protocols. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions to be successfully leveraged, the potential impact remains significant for systems that execute untrusted code within the Java environment. The CVSS 3.0 base score of 3.7 reflects the relatively low complexity of exploitation but the moderate confidentiality impact that could result in unauthorized read access to sensitive data within the affected Java SE deployment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper access controls within the Java Sound component, which allows for unauthorized data access when the Java runtime environment processes untrusted audio content. The vulnerability specifically impacts Java deployments that rely on the sandbox security model to isolate potentially malicious code from the underlying system resources. This issue is particularly concerning because it operates at the application level where audio processing occurs, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information from memory segments that should remain protected. The vulnerability's impact is constrained to read access rather than write or execute capabilities, but the ability to access subset data within Java SE represents a significant privacy and security concern. According to CWE guidelines, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically related to inadequate access controls within multimedia processing components. The attack surface is particularly broad given that Java applications often run in environments where users can access internet-based content, making the exploitation vectors numerous and potentially automated.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3157 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass potential system compromise when exploited in conjunction with other vulnerabilities or when combined with social engineering attacks. Systems that deploy Java applications for web browsing, multimedia processing, or desktop applications are particularly at risk, as these environments frequently encounter untrusted code from external sources. The vulnerability's applicability to Java deployments that load and run untrusted code means that web applications, applets, and client-side Java applications represent prime targets. Organizations with Java-based applications in production environments must consider the risk of credential theft, configuration data exposure, or proprietary information compromise. The security implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where Java applications might process sensitive business data, financial information, or personal identifiable information. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter where attackers could leverage the Java environment to access system resources through legitimate audio processing functions, and potentially move laterally through the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3157 should focus on both immediate patching and architectural considerations. Oracle has released security updates for Java SE 11 that address this vulnerability, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches to all affected systems. For environments where patching cannot be immediately implemented, administrators should consider disabling Java applets and restricting Java execution in web browsers to limit attack surface. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help reduce the exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks, while application whitelisting can prevent execution of untrusted Java code. The principle of least privilege should be enforced when running Java applications, ensuring that they operate with minimal required permissions. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual audio processing activity that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should verify that Java deployments do not inadvertently expose sensitive data through audio processing functions. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts targeting Java Sound components, and maintain comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to address potential data compromise. The vulnerability's low attack complexity combined with its potential for data exposure makes it a critical target for both immediate remediation and ongoing security monitoring efforts.