CVE-2019-2977 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE product of Oracle Java SE (component: Hotspot). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 11.0.4 and 13. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of Java SE accessible data and unauthorized ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of Java SE. 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 4.8 (Confidentiality and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2024
This vulnerability resides within the Hotspot component of Oracle Java SE and represents a critical security flaw affecting Java SE versions 11.0.4 and 13. The vulnerability operates at the core of Java's runtime environment and specifically targets the Just-In-Time compilation mechanisms that are fundamental to Java's performance optimization. The flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue that can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for environments where untrusted code execution is permitted. According to the CVSS 3.0 scoring system, this vulnerability carries a base score of 4.8, indicating a moderate to high risk level with significant implications for both confidentiality and availability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations within the Hotspot JVM, particularly in how it manages object references and memory allocation during code execution. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious code that exploits the memory management subsystem, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and partial denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's exploitation requires network access via multiple protocols, suggesting that it can be triggered through various attack vectors including HTTP, HTTPS, or other network-based communication channels. The specific technical details indicate that this vulnerability affects the JVM's ability to properly validate memory operations, creating potential for information disclosure and service disruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly severe in client-side Java deployments where sandboxed applications are commonly used to execute untrusted code from the internet. This includes Java Web Start applications and applets that are designed to operate within restricted security environments. The vulnerability's applicability to these client-side scenarios makes it especially concerning for organizations that rely on Java-based web applications or client-side software that loads content from untrusted sources. Attackers can potentially access sensitive data that should be restricted by the Java sandbox mechanisms, while simultaneously causing partial system degradation that affects the availability of Java SE services. The partial denial of service aspect means that while complete system compromise is not guaranteed, the availability of critical Java services can be significantly impaired.
Organizations must implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, particularly focusing on the principle of least privilege and network segmentation. The recommended approach includes immediate patching of affected Java SE installations to the latest versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling Java plugin support in web browsers and implementing strict network access controls to limit exposure to potential attackers. The vulnerability's classification under CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) categories related to memory safety and improper handling of memory operations aligns with established security frameworks that emphasize the importance of robust memory management in runtime environments. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework classification for this vulnerability would likely include techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion, as attackers may attempt to leverage this flaw to gain deeper system access or avoid detection mechanisms.
This vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in securing complex runtime environments where multiple security layers must work in concert to protect against sophisticated attacks. The fact that it specifically affects client-side deployments that rely on sandboxing mechanisms highlights the inherent limitations of sandbox-based security models when faced with sophisticated exploitation techniques. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft to include service disruption, making it a multi-faceted threat that organizations must address through comprehensive security strategies. Organizations should conduct thorough risk assessments to identify all Java SE installations that may be exposed to this vulnerability and prioritize remediation efforts based on their risk exposure levels. Regular security assessments and continuous monitoring of Java deployment environments remain essential practices for maintaining security posture against similar vulnerabilities.