CVE-2020-14664 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE product of Oracle Java SE (component: JavaFX). The supported version that is affected is Java SE: 8u251. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java SE. 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 8.3 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2025
This vulnerability resides within Oracle Java SE's JavaFX component and specifically affects Java SE version 8u251, representing a significant security weakness that operates with a CVSS base score of 8.3. The vulnerability falls under the category of difficult to exploit conditions, requiring an unauthenticated attacker with network access through multiple protocols to compromise the system. The attack vector requires human interaction from users other than the attacker, making it particularly concerning for client-side applications where end users may inadvertently trigger the exploit. The security implications extend beyond just Java SE itself, potentially affecting additional products through cascading impacts.
The technical flaw manifests in how JavaFX handles certain operations within the Java sandbox environment, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass security boundaries. This vulnerability specifically targets deployments running in client-side environments such as sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets where untrusted code from the internet is loaded and executed. The exploitation requires that users interact with malicious content, typically through web-based delivery methods that leverage the browser's Java plugin or Java Web Start functionality. The vulnerability's impact is severe across all three security principles as indicated by the CVSS vector, with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of the Java SE environment. This means attackers could execute arbitrary code within the Java sandbox, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, modifying system resources, or disrupting normal operations. The vulnerability's applicability to client-side deployments makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently access untrusted web content. The fact that this vulnerability applies to systems running untrusted code while relying on Java sandbox security mechanisms creates a critical weakness in the overall security architecture, especially when compared to server-side deployments that typically run only trusted code.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest Java SE version that addresses this vulnerability, disabling Java plugin functionality in web browsers, and implementing network-based controls to restrict access to potentially malicious Java content. The vulnerability's classification under CWE categories related to sandbox bypass and code execution in trusted environments aligns with ATT&CK techniques for privilege escalation and execution through legitimate user processes. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious Java-related activities. Given that this vulnerability affects Java deployments in client environments, organizations should also focus on user education and awareness programs to prevent accidental interaction with malicious Java content, as the human interaction requirement makes social engineering attacks particularly effective against this weakness.