CVE-2020-14798 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2020
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded product of Oracle Java SE (component: Libraries). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u271, 8u261, 11.0.8 and 15; Java SE Embedded: 8u261. Difficult to exploit 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. 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 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 3.1 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2025
This vulnerability resides within the Java SE and Java SE Embedded libraries, specifically targeting versions 7u271, 8u261, 11.0.8, and 15 for Java SE, along with 8u261 for Java SE Embedded. The flaw represents a significant security weakness that operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-224, which encompasses weaknesses related to improper handling of sensitive data within security contexts. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions for successful exploitation, the attack vector remains accessible through multiple network protocols, making it particularly concerning for environments where untrusted code execution is permitted.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the Java runtime environment's library components, allowing for potential manipulation of data integrity through unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations. The CVSS 3.1 scoring system places this vulnerability at a base score of 3.1, reflecting its integrity impact with a low confidentiality impact and no availability impact. The attack complexity is rated as high, requiring human interaction from users other than the attacker, which suggests that social engineering or user deception plays a crucial role in successful exploitation. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to user execution and privilege escalation through social engineering approaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly severe in client environments where Java Web Start applications or applets operate within sandboxed environments. These deployments typically load and execute untrusted code from internet sources, making them prime targets for exploitation. The vulnerability specifically affects scenarios where the Java sandbox security model is relied upon for protection, which is common in client-side applications but not in server-side deployments that typically run only trusted administrator-installed code. This distinction is crucial because server deployments are generally not vulnerable to this specific weakness, as they do not depend on sandboxed execution of untrusted code from external sources.
The exploitation process requires an attacker to gain network access and convince a user to interact with malicious content, typically through web-based delivery methods. This human interaction requirement means that traditional network-level protections may not be sufficient to prevent exploitation, as the attack relies on user behavior rather than purely technical vulnerabilities. Organizations deploying Java applications in client environments must consider this human factor in their security planning, implementing user education programs alongside technical controls. The vulnerability's impact on data integrity manifests through unauthorized modifications to accessible data within the Java environment, potentially leading to data corruption or manipulation that could affect application functionality and data consistency. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies to address this vulnerability, particularly focusing on client systems where sandboxed Java applications are commonly deployed. The security implications extend beyond immediate data integrity concerns to potential broader system compromise if exploited in conjunction with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors within the same environment.