CVE-2019-2540 in Java Advanced Management Console
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java Advanced Management Console component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Server). The supported version that is affected is Java Advanced Management Console: 2.12. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java Advanced Management Console. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java Advanced Management Console, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Java Advanced Management Console accessible data as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of Java Advanced Management Console accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 6.1 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N).
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2540 resides within Oracle Java SE's Java Advanced Management Console component, specifically affecting version 2.12. This security flaw represents a significant concern for enterprise environments that rely on Java-based management interfaces, as it operates as an easily exploitable weakness that can be targeted by unauthenticated attackers. The vulnerability's accessibility through multiple network protocols underscores its broad attack surface and potential impact across various network environments. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system rates this vulnerability with a base score of 6.1, indicating a medium severity level that combines confidentiality and integrity impacts. The attack vector is classified as network-based with low access complexity, requiring no prior privileges for exploitation, yet it necessitates user interaction from someone other than the attacker, making it particularly concerning for social engineering campaigns.
The technical flaw within the Java Advanced Management Console stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to critical management functions. This vulnerability specifically affects the server-side component of the console, which typically handles administrative operations and configuration management tasks. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform unauthorized modifications to the system, including updating, inserting, or deleting data within the console's accessible database. Additionally, the vulnerability enables unauthorized read access to sensitive information contained within the management console's data repositories. The compromise of these management functions can lead to complete system infiltration, as administrators often rely on these consoles for critical system oversight and control. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) aligns with the fundamental security principle that systems must properly verify user identities before granting access to protected resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2540 extends beyond the immediate compromise of the Java Advanced Management Console itself. While the primary target is the console component, successful exploitation can significantly affect additional products within the Java ecosystem that depend on this management interface for configuration and monitoring. The vulnerability's ability to enable unauthorized data modifications creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate system configurations, potentially leading to service disruptions, data corruption, or complete system compromise. The requirement for human interaction suggests that this vulnerability could be exploited through social engineering tactics, where users might be tricked into performing actions that facilitate the attack. Organizations using this management console may experience unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, which could include system configurations, user credentials, or other confidential information that would normally be protected within a secure management environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2540 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with Oracle's security updates, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to management consoles and restrict network protocols that are not essential for console operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting access to the management console to authorized personnel only, and implementing strong authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication where possible. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or unauthorized attempts to interact with management interfaces, which could indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems within their environment that might be using the same vulnerable component. The ATT&CK framework's T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) tactics are particularly relevant to this vulnerability, as it represents a public-facing application exploit that can leverage valid accounts for privilege escalation. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that management interfaces remain secure against similar vulnerabilities, and incident response procedures should be updated to address potential exploitation of this type of management console vulnerability.