CVE-2020-14556 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded product of Oracle Java SE (component: Libraries). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 8u251, 11.0.7 and 14.0.1; Java SE Embedded: 8u251. 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 update, insert or delete access to some of Java SE, Java SE Embedded accessible data as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of Java SE, Java SE Embedded accessible data. Note: Applies to client and server deployment of Java. This vulnerability can be exploited through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and sandboxed Java applets. It can also be exploited by supplying data to APIs in the specified Component without using sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, such as through a web service. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 4.8 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N).
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2025
This vulnerability resides within the Java SE and Java SE Embedded libraries component, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple Java versions including 8u251, 11.0.7, and 14.0.1 for both standard and embedded deployments. The flaw manifests as a difficulty in exploitation yet remains accessible to unauthenticated attackers who can leverage network protocols to compromise affected systems. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-284 indicates improper access control mechanisms within the Java runtime environment, specifically targeting the library components that handle data operations. Attackers can potentially execute unauthorized modifications to data through update, insert, or delete operations while simultaneously gaining read access to restricted data subsets.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-14556 extends across both client and server deployments of Java applications, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications serve critical business functions. The vulnerability's exploitability through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets demonstrates how attackers can bypass traditional security boundaries, while the additional attack vectors through web services and APIs show the breadth of potential entry points. This weakness operates at the application layer where Java's security model may be insufficient to prevent unauthorized data manipulation, creating opportunities for data integrity and confidentiality breaches. The CVSS 3.1 score of 4.8 reflects the moderate severity with low complexity and no privilege requirements, indicating that the attack surface is relatively broad and the exploitation conditions are favorable for malicious actors.
The vulnerability's implications align with ATT&CK techniques focusing on privilege escalation and data manipulation, particularly through the use of application-specific vulnerabilities and exploitation of trusted relationships. Organizations running affected Java versions face risks of data corruption, unauthorized information disclosure, and potential system compromise through the manipulation of Java libraries. The attack vectors include both traditional network-based exploitation and more sophisticated approaches through web services that might be exposed to untrusted users. Security teams must consider the impact on Java-based web applications, enterprise systems, and any infrastructure relying on Java libraries for data handling operations. The vulnerability demonstrates how library-level weaknesses can translate into significant business impacts, particularly in environments where Java applications process sensitive data and maintain critical system functions.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Java versions to the latest releases, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary Java applet and Web Start functionality, reviewing application security configurations, and implementing additional access controls beyond the default Java security model. The vulnerability's presence in both client and server deployments necessitates comprehensive security assessments across all Java-based systems. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should specifically target Java libraries and components to identify similar weaknesses that could be exploited through similar attack vectors. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous data access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while security policies should be updated to reflect the increased risk associated with Java-based applications.