CVE-2019-2983 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded product of Oracle Java SE (component: Serialization). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u231, 8u221, 11.0.4 and 13; Java SE Embedded: 8u221. Difficult to exploit 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 3.7 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2983 resides within the serialization component of Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple version lines including Java SE 7u231, 8u221, 11.0.4, and 13, alongside Java SE Embedded 8u221. This flaw operates at the core of Java's object serialization mechanism, which is fundamental to how Java applications handle data transfer and persistence across network boundaries and application domains. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions to be successfully leveraged, the potential impact remains severe enough to warrant immediate attention from security professionals.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation within the serialization process, allowing an unauthenticated remote attacker to potentially manipulate serialized objects in ways that can disrupt normal Java application operations. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 3.7 with a base score indicating availability impact (AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L) demonstrates that the attack vector is network-based requiring no authentication, though the attack complexity is high, suggesting that exploitation requires specific technical knowledge and conditions. The vulnerability specifically targets environments where Java Web Start applications or applets execute untrusted code within sandboxed environments, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass security boundaries that should normally protect against malicious code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability manifests primarily as a partial denial of service condition affecting Java SE and Java SE Embedded deployments, which can severely disrupt business operations in environments where Java applications are critical for system functionality. Organizations running Java-based applications, particularly those deployed in client environments or web applications that utilize Java applets, face potential service disruption that could affect productivity and user experience. The vulnerability's applicability extends beyond traditional client-side applications to web services that utilize Java APIs, creating broader exposure across enterprise environments where Java components interact with external data sources.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability through the lens of CWE-472, which addresses External Control of Critical Functionality, as the serialization flaw allows external inputs to influence critical application behavior without proper validation. The attack surface expands when considering ATT&CK framework mappings to T1190, which describes exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreters, as the vulnerability can potentially enable attackers to manipulate Java application execution flows. Organizations must implement layered security controls including network segmentation to limit exposure, regular patch management programs to address known vulnerabilities, and runtime application self-protection mechanisms that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation strategy should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java versions while also implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous serialization traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.