CVE-2018-3209 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JavaFX). The supported version that is affected is Java SE: 8u182. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java SE. 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-2018-3209 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE's JavaFX component affecting Java SE version 8u182. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple security domains and demonstrates how seemingly isolated component flaws can create substantial risks in enterprise environments. The affected JavaFX subcomponent is particularly concerning because it operates within the broader Java SE ecosystem where sandboxed applications execute untrusted code from potentially malicious sources, making it a prime target for exploitation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory corruption issues within the JavaFX rendering engine that processes graphical user interface elements. Attackers can leverage this weakness through multiple network protocols to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems without requiring authentication credentials. The difficulty level of exploitation is classified as hard, indicating that while not trivial, the attack vector is sufficiently accessible for determined threat actors. The vulnerability specifically targets the Java sandbox mechanism that normally isolates untrusted code execution, effectively undermining the security model that protects users from malicious content.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3209 extends beyond simple system compromise, as successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of the affected Java SE deployment. This level of compromise allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the Java runtime environment, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system persistence, or further lateral movement within the network. The requirement for human interaction indicates that the attack typically involves social engineering components where users must interact with malicious content, often through web browsers or Java Web Start applications. The CVSS score of 8.3 reflects the high severity impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains, with the vector AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H indicating network-based attacks requiring high complexity but resulting in catastrophic consequences.
Organizations running Java-based applications must implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, including disabling Java applets and Web Start applications where possible, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and ensuring all Java installations are updated to patched versions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within a Limited Access Point) and CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow) categories, demonstrating how memory corruption vulnerabilities in GUI frameworks can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1071 (Application Layer Protocol) techniques, as attackers can leverage the compromised Java environment to execute commands and communicate through various network protocols. The attack surface is particularly wide in environments where users frequently interact with internet-based content through Java-based applications, making regular security assessments and user education crucial components of the overall defense strategy.