CVE-2019-2818 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Security). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 11.0.3 and 12.0.1. 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 • 07/06/2020
This vulnerability resides within the Java SE security subsystem and represents a significant concern for environments where untrusted code execution is permitted. The flaw affects specific versions including Java SE 11.0.3 and 12.0.1, making it particularly relevant for organizations running these software versions. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires some level of sophistication, the attack surface remains concerning due to the nature of Java's sandboxing mechanisms. The CVSS 3.0 score of 3.1 reflects the limited impact scope but emphasizes the confidentiality implications that could allow unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in how Java SE handles security boundaries within its sandboxed execution environments. Attackers can leverage network-based access through multiple protocols to exploit this weakness without requiring authentication, which significantly broadens the potential attack vectors. The requirement for human interaction suggests that social engineering or user deception plays a role in successful exploitation, typically involving users interacting with malicious web content or applications. This human factor component makes the vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against through technical controls alone, as it requires user awareness and behavior modification to prevent exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it affects the fundamental security model that Java relies upon for protecting users from malicious code. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to access a subset of Java SE accessible data, potentially compromising sensitive information stored within sandboxed applications. The attack scenario typically involves users running untrusted code through Java Web Start applications or applets, which are common deployment methods in enterprise environments. This vulnerability specifically targets client-side deployments where the security model is most critical, as opposed to server-side applications that typically run trusted code. Organizations using Java applets or Web Start applications are particularly at risk, as these deployment methods rely heavily on the sandboxing security model that this vulnerability undermines.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate version upgrades to patched Java SE releases, as this represents the most effective defense against the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting the execution of untrusted code and ensuring that users cannot execute potentially malicious applications without proper authorization. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling Java applets and Web Start applications where possible, as these deployment methods are most vulnerable to this type of attack. Security awareness training for end users becomes critical in preventing successful exploitation, as the human interaction requirement means that social engineering attacks can be particularly effective. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized Java applications, thereby reducing the attack surface and protecting against similar vulnerabilities that might exist in untrusted code execution environments. The vulnerability's classification under CWE categories related to security boundaries and sandboxing mechanisms indicates that defensive measures should address both the technical implementation flaws and the operational security gaps that allow exploitation to occur.