CVE-2018-3169 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Hotspot). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u191, 8u182 and 11; Java SE Embedded: 8u181. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, Java SE Embedded, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java SE, Java SE Embedded. 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 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 • 05/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3169 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, specifically within the Hotspot component responsible for runtime execution and optimization. This vulnerability affects multiple version lines including Java SE 7u191, 8u182, and 11, as well as Java SE Embedded 8u181, indicating a widespread impact across various Java deployment scenarios. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit suggests that while it requires specific conditions to be met, the potential for successful compromise remains significant given the widespread use of Java in client-side applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Hotspot runtime environment, allowing malicious code execution that can bypass the Java sandbox security model. Attackers can leverage this weakness through multiple network protocols without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users interact with untrusted web content. The vulnerability's exploitability requires human interaction from users other than the attacker, typically through the execution of malicious Java applets or Web Start applications, which aligns with common attack vectors in web-based exploitation scenarios. This characteristic places the vulnerability squarely within the purview of CWE-242, which addresses "Use of Insecure Function," and demonstrates how improper implementation of security controls can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3169 extends beyond immediate Java SE and Embedded environments, potentially affecting additional products that rely on Java runtime components for their operation. Successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of affected Java deployments, providing attackers with full control over the compromised systems. This level of impact is consistent with CVSS 3.0 scoring that reflects high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, indicating that attackers can access sensitive data, modify system behavior, and potentially disrupt service availability. The vulnerability particularly affects client-side Java deployments that load untrusted code from the internet, such as sandboxed Java applets and Web Start applications, which are commonly used in enterprise environments for various business applications. This attack scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution," demonstrating how Java-based vulnerabilities can enable broader attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3169 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java versions, with administrators focusing on updating to patched releases of Java SE 8u182, 11, and Java SE Embedded 8u181. Organizations should implement strict network controls to limit Java applet execution and Web Start application usage, particularly in environments where users access untrusted internet content. Security measures should include disabling Java plugin support in web browsers and implementing sandboxing controls that restrict Java application capabilities. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous Java execution patterns, with security teams implementing comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include regular Java version assessments and automated patch deployment. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly suitable for targeted attacks against organizations with legacy Java deployments, emphasizing the need for proactive security measures that address both immediate remediation and long-term Java security posture improvements.