CVE-2019-2762 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Utilities). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u221, 8u212, 11.0.3 and 12.0.1; Java SE Embedded: 8u211. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) 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 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 5.3 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2762 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, specifically affecting the Utilities subcomponent of the Java Runtime Environment. This vulnerability manifests in multiple supported versions including Java SE 7u221, 8u212, 11.0.3, and 12.0.1, alongside Java SE Embedded 8u211, creating a widespread impact across various Java deployment scenarios. The flaw operates at the network level with minimal attack requirements, allowing unauthenticated remote exploitation through multiple protocols, making it particularly dangerous for environments where Java applications are exposed to external networks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Java Utilities component, which fails to properly sanitize input data or validate execution contexts when processing untrusted code. This weakness enables attackers to craft malicious payloads that can manipulate the Java runtime environment to execute unauthorized operations, specifically targeting the availability aspect of the system. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers require no specialized skills or privileged access to leverage this flaw, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors including automated exploitation tools. The attack vector operates through network protocols, allowing adversaries to remotely compromise systems without requiring physical access or authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially lead to partial system disruption that affects the overall availability of Java-based applications and services. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to cause partial denial of service conditions that can significantly impact business operations, particularly in environments where Java applications serve critical functions. The vulnerability's applicability to sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets means that even seemingly secure deployment scenarios can be compromised, as the sandbox protection mechanisms fail to prevent the exploitation of this specific flaw. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where Java applications are widely deployed and relied upon for business-critical operations.
The security implications of CVE-2019-2762 align with CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation," and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service operations. Organizations running affected Java versions face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited through web services that utilize the affected APIs, creating additional attack surfaces beyond traditional network-based exploitation. The CVSS 3.0 score of 5.3 indicates a medium severity impact with availability being the primary concern, though the potential for broader system compromise cannot be ignored. Remediation efforts should focus on immediate patching of affected Java installations, implementation of network segmentation to limit exposure, and enhanced monitoring of Java application execution to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review their Java deployment practices to minimize reliance on potentially vulnerable sandboxed applications and consider alternative execution environments for untrusted code processing.