CVE-2019-2989 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded product of Oracle Java SE (component: Networking). 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. While the vulnerability is in Java SE, Java SE Embedded, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized creation, deletion or modification access to critical data or all Java SE, Java SE Embedded 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 can also be exploited by using APIs in the specified Component, e.g., through a web service which supplies data to the APIs. CVSS v3.0 Base Score 6.8 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2989 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, specifically within the networking component. This issue affects multiple versions including Java SE 7u231, 8u221, 11.0.4, and 13, along with Java SE Embedded 8u221, making it a widespread concern across various Java deployment environments. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires some level of technical sophistication from an attacker, the potential impact remains severe enough to warrant immediate attention. The CVSS v3.0 base score of 6.8 with a vector of AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:N demonstrates that this vulnerability can be accessed remotely over a network with high attack complexity, no privilege requirements, and no user interaction needed, while potentially causing significant integrity impacts.
The technical flaw manifests in the networking component of Java SE, where attackers can leverage multiple protocols to compromise systems without authentication. This vulnerability particularly impacts Java deployments that execute untrusted code within sandboxed environments such as Java Web Start applications or applets, which rely on the Java sandbox security model for protection. The exploitation occurs when these sandboxed applications load and execute code from untrusted sources, typically from the internet, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to critical data. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond just the targeted Java components, as successful exploitation can result in unauthorized creation, deletion, or modification access to all data accessible through Java SE or Java SE Embedded systems, making it a particularly dangerous flaw for enterprise environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2989 is substantial, as it affects the fundamental integrity of data within Java-based systems and can potentially lead to data corruption or unauthorized modifications that may go undetected for extended periods. Organizations running Java applications, particularly those deployed in client environments with sandboxed applets or Web Start applications, face significant risk from this vulnerability. The vulnerability's applicability to web services that utilize the affected APIs further amplifies its potential impact, as it could be exploited through legitimate service interfaces. According to CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control issues, specifically related to inadequate access control mechanisms within network components. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents a network-based attack vector that can be leveraged by attackers who do not require prior access to the target network.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant Oracle Java security patches, which would address the underlying networking component flaw. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling or restricting the use of Java Web Start applications and applets in environments where they are not strictly required, particularly when running untrusted code. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, and security policies should be updated to reflect the increased risk associated with Java-based applications. The vulnerability's classification under CVSS v3.0's integrity impact category (I:H) indicates that organizations must prioritize protecting against unauthorized data modification, which could potentially compromise business continuity and data integrity across multiple systems that depend on Java SE or Java SE Embedded platforms.