CVE-2018-3183 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Scripting). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 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. 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 9.0 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/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-2018-3183 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE and related components, specifically affecting the scripting subcomponent. This vulnerability resides in Java SE versions 8u182 and 11, Java SE Embedded version 8u181, and JRockit version R28.3.19, making it a widespread issue across multiple Java deployment scenarios. The flaw demonstrates a high degree of exploitability difficulty, requiring only network access without authentication, which significantly broadens its potential attack surface. The vulnerability's classification as a critical issue stems from its ability to enable complete system compromise when successfully exploited, affecting the core Java runtime environment that powers countless applications and services.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a flaw within Java's sandboxing mechanisms that governs how untrusted code executes within Java Web Start applications or applets. The vulnerability specifically targets the scripting capabilities within Java SE, allowing attackers to bypass security restrictions that normally protect against malicious code execution. This weakness occurs when Java applications load and execute untrusted code from external sources, relying on the Java sandbox for security boundaries. The attack vector leverages multiple network protocols, making it particularly challenging to defend against as it can be exploited through various communication channels. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond just the targeted Java components, potentially affecting additional products that depend on these Java runtime environments, creating cascading security implications throughout enterprise infrastructures.
From an operational perspective, the consequences of successful exploitation can be devastating, potentially leading to complete system takeovers of affected Java installations. The CVSS 3.0 score of 9.0 reflects the severe impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains, indicating that an attacker could gain full control over vulnerable systems. The vulnerability's exploitation through APIs and web services means that even legitimate web applications could become attack vectors if they incorporate vulnerable Java components. The sandbox bypass capability particularly affects environments where Java applets or Web Start applications are still in use, though these technologies have been largely deprecated in modern security practices. Organizations running legacy Java applications remain at significant risk due to this vulnerability, as many systems continue to rely on older Java versions that may not have received appropriate security patches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3183 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java installations to the latest available security updates from Oracle. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Java-enabled systems and disable unnecessary Java runtime environments where possible. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting Java application permissions and removing deprecated Java applet and Web Start functionality from client systems. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly those targeting Java scripting components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized Java applications, aligning with security frameworks such as those recommended in the CWE-119 category which addresses buffer overflow vulnerabilities and similar memory safety issues. The ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for PowerShell and .NET application execution should be considered when analyzing potential exploitation patterns, as similar scripting vulnerabilities may be exploited using comparable attack methodologies. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems that may be running unsupported Java versions or components that could be vulnerable to similar scripting-based attacks.