CVE-2019-2769 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-2019-2769 resides within the Java SE and Java SE Embedded components, specifically within the Utilities subcomponent of Oracle's Java platform. This security flaw affects multiple version lines including Java SE 7u221, 8u212, 11.0.3, and 12.0.1, alongside Java SE Embedded 8u211, making it a widespread concern across various Java deployment environments. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring authentication or specialized privileges, presenting a significant risk to systems running affected Java versions. The attack vector operates through multiple network protocols, allowing unauthorized adversaries to compromise Java SE and Java SE Embedded installations, which aligns with the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) category CWE-20 for improper input validation and CWE-119 for insufficient protection of data and resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in how the Java Utilities component processes certain inputs or operations, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the Java runtime environment. The partial denial of service (DOS) impact suggests that while complete system compromise may not be achievable, attackers can disrupt the availability of Java applications and services running on affected systems. This behavior typically manifests when untrusted code executes within the Java sandbox environment, which is designed to isolate potentially malicious code from the underlying system. The vulnerability's exploitation becomes particularly dangerous in environments where Java Web Start applications or applets are used, as these components often run with sandboxed privileges yet can still be leveraged to perform unauthorized operations. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 5.3 reflects the medium severity level with availability impacts, indicating that while the vulnerability does not allow for code execution or privilege escalation, it can still cause operational disruptions that affect system availability.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2769 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the integrity and availability of Java-based applications across enterprise networks. Organizations running affected Java versions face risks in environments where sandboxed applications process data from untrusted sources, such as web services or internet-based applications. The vulnerability's applicability to Java deployments in client environments means that end-user systems become attack vectors, particularly when users execute Java applets or Web Start applications that load content from external sources. This scenario creates a pathway for attackers to exploit the Java runtime through APIs that interface with external data sources, effectively allowing them to manipulate the Java environment through legitimate API calls. The attack surface expands when considering that these vulnerabilities can be triggered through web services that supply data to Java APIs, making them particularly dangerous in cloud and web application environments. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service, though the specific implementation may fall under initial access or execution phases when attackers leverage the Java sandbox mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate patching strategies to address this vulnerability, particularly focusing on updating to supported Java versions that contain fixes for the identified flaws. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of Java applications to untrusted network sources, while also monitoring for suspicious Java process activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date Java installations and understanding the security implications of sandboxed execution environments that are designed to provide protection but may contain implementation flaws that attackers can exploit.