CVE-2020-14621 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded product of Oracle Java SE (component: JAXP). 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 of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Java SE, Java SE Embedded accessible data. Note: This vulnerability can only be exploited by supplying data to APIs in the specified Component without using Untrusted Java Web Start applications or Untrusted Java applets, such as through a web service. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 5.3 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-14621 resides within the Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, specifically affecting the Java API for XML Processing component known as JAXP. This weakness represents a significant security concern as it impacts multiple supported versions including Java SE 7u261, 8u251, 11.0.7, and 14.0.1, alongside Java SE Embedded 8u251. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring authentication or specialized privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Java applications are exposed to untrusted network traffic. The attack vector operates through multiple network protocols, allowing malicious actors to compromise affected systems remotely without the need for user interaction or trusted Java applets.
The technical flaw within JAXP stems from insufficient validation of XML data processing operations, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate data through carefully crafted XML inputs. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-20 category of "Improper Input Validation" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 "Exploitation of Remote Services" as it enables unauthorized data manipulation through network-based attacks. The vulnerability's impact is primarily focused on data integrity rather than confidentiality or availability, as evidenced by the CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.3 which reflects integrity impacts with a low complexity and no required privileges. Attackers can achieve unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations on data accessible through the affected Java SE components, potentially leading to data corruption or unauthorized modifications within systems running vulnerable Java versions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it can compromise the integrity of applications that rely on XML processing for data exchange and configuration management. Organizations running affected Java versions are at risk of having their data integrity compromised through web services or other XML-based interfaces that utilize JAXP functionality. The vulnerability's restriction to APIs within the specified component, excluding Java Web Start applications and applets, means that traditional browser-based attack vectors may not apply, but web services and server-side XML processing remain vulnerable. This limitation actually reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely, as many enterprise applications utilize web services that could be targeted through this vulnerability. The CVSS vector analysis indicates network accessibility with low attack complexity and no user interaction requirements, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications are exposed to external networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-14621 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java SE and Java SE Embedded installations to the latest supported versions. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to affected systems and consider disabling unnecessary XML processing functionality where possible. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual XML data processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that proper input validation is implemented in custom applications that interact with XML data. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1070 "Indicator Removal on Host" as attackers may attempt to cover their tracks after successful exploitation, making comprehensive logging and monitoring essential. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and XML validation rules can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability in JAXP components.