CVE-2019-2422 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Libraries). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u201, 8u192 and 11.0.1; Java SE Embedded: 8u191. 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. 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, 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 3.1 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2023
This vulnerability resides within the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE, specifically affecting the Libraries subcomponent and impacting multiple version ranges including Java SE 7u201, 8u192, and 11.0.1 along with Java SE Embedded 8u191. The vulnerability classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires network access from an unauthenticated attacker, the attack vector presents significant barriers to successful compromise. The CVSS 3.0 base score of 3.1 reflects a low severity impact primarily focused on confidentiality with a vector indicating network accessibility, high attack complexity, no privilege requirements, and user interaction needed for successful exploitation. The vulnerability specifically targets Java deployments that operate in sandboxed environments where untrusted code is loaded and executed, particularly affecting client-side applications such as Java Web Start applications and sandboxed Java applets that rely on the Java sandbox security model for protection.
The technical flaw manifests in how Java SE handles certain data access operations within its library components, creating an unauthorized read access vulnerability that allows attackers to access a subset of Java SE accessible data. This particular weakness does not affect server deployments that execute only trusted code, which is a crucial distinction in the vulnerability's scope. The requirement for human interaction suggests that the attack typically involves social engineering elements where users must perform specific actions such as clicking on malicious links or downloading compromised applets. This interaction requirement increases the attack complexity and reduces the likelihood of automated exploitation, though it does not eliminate the threat entirely. The vulnerability's impact is limited to read access rather than write or execute capabilities, which constrains the potential damage but still represents a significant confidentiality risk.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends primarily to client-side Java applications that utilize sandboxed environments for executing untrusted code from potentially malicious sources. Deployments in environments where users regularly interact with internet-based content, such as web browsers running Java applets or desktop applications using Java Web Start, face increased risk exposure. The vulnerability's applicability to Java applets in Java SE 8 particularly affects legacy systems where older web technologies remain in use. Organizations with extensive Java-based client applications or those that continue to support older Java versions may experience compromised data confidentiality if users encounter malicious content. The limited scope of access to only a subset of Java SE accessible data means that while the vulnerability is concerning, it does not provide complete system compromise or escalation capabilities.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate deployment of Oracle's security patches for affected Java versions, particularly emphasizing the importance of updating to patched versions of Java SE 7, 8, and 11. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit Java application exposure to untrusted networks. The principle of least privilege should be applied to Java deployments, ensuring that applications run with minimal required permissions and access rights. Browser vendors and system administrators should consider disabling Java applets in web browsers and migrating away from legacy Java-based applications. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual Java application behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security awareness training for users should emphasize the dangers of downloading and executing untrusted code, particularly focusing on the social engineering aspects of this vulnerability. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and may relate to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and information gathering through client-side exploits. Regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other Java-based systems and applications.