CVE-2020-14593 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded product of Oracle Java SE (component: 2D). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u261, 8u251, 11.0.7 and 14.0.1; Java SE Embedded: 8u251. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and 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, 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 3.1 Base Score 7.4 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:N/I:H/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 platforms, specifically affecting the 2D graphics component that handles rendering operations. The flaw manifests in versions 7u261, 8u251, 11.0.7, and 14.0.1 of Java SE along with the corresponding embedded version 8u251, making it a widespread issue across multiple Java release lines. The vulnerability classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage network-based attacks without requiring authentication, presenting a significant risk to systems where Java applications execute untrusted code within sandboxed environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a weakness in the Java 2D rendering subsystem that allows for unauthorized modifications to critical data within the Java runtime environment. This flaw operates through multiple network protocols, providing attackers with various attack vectors to compromise systems. The vulnerability requires human interaction from users other than the attacker, suggesting that exploitation typically occurs through social engineering or user deception rather than purely automated attacks. The CVSS score of 7.4 reflects the integrity impact severity, indicating that attackers can create, delete, or modify data without authorization, though the attack does not directly compromise availability or confidentiality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond the immediate Java deployment environments to potentially affect additional products that rely on Java components for functionality. Systems that utilize sandboxed Java Web Start applications or Java applets are particularly at risk since these environments load untrusted code from external sources while depending on Java's sandbox security model for protection. The vulnerability specifically targets deployments where users execute untrusted code from the internet, which aligns with common attack patterns seen in web-based exploitation scenarios. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability relates to weakness types involving insufficient protection of sensitive data within application components and improper handling of rendering operations that could lead to privilege escalation or data manipulation.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as part of the broader ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and data manipulation categories, where attackers can exploit sandbox weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The attack vector classification as network-based (AV:N) combined with low attack complexity (AC:L) means that the vulnerability can be exploited remotely with minimal technical expertise. The requirement for user interaction (UI:R) suggests that this vulnerability often manifests through user engagement with malicious web content or applications, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently interact with internet-based content. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling Java applets and Web Start applications where possible, applying security patches, and monitoring for suspicious network activity related to Java processes. The vulnerability's impact on critical data access demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date Java installations and implementing proper network segmentation to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.