CVE-2020-2585 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: 8u231. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized creation, deletion or modification access to critical data or all Java SE accessible data. Note: This vulnerability applies to Java deployments, typically in clients running sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets (in Java SE 8), that load and run untrusted code (e.g., code that comes from the internet) and rely on the Java sandbox for security. This vulnerability can also be exploited by using APIs in the specified Component, e.g., through a web service which supplies data to the APIs. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 5.9 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2585 resides within the Java SE platform's JavaFX component, specifically affecting Java SE version 8u231. This represents a significant security weakness that operates at the intersection of software component design and network-based attack vectors. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions for successful exploitation, the potential impact remains severe enough to warrant immediate attention. The attack surface encompasses network-accessible Java deployments that typically operate within sandboxed environments, creating a complex security landscape where legitimate application functionality intersects with potential attack vectors.
The technical flaw manifests in how JavaFX handles certain operations that can be manipulated by unauthenticated network attackers. This vulnerability specifically targets the integrity aspect of the security triad, allowing attackers to perform unauthorized modifications to critical data within the Java SE environment. The CVSS 3.0 score of 5.9 reflects the moderate severity of the impact, with the high attack complexity (AC:H) indicating that exploitation requires specific conditions and knowledge of the target system. The vulnerability's applicability extends beyond traditional desktop applications to include web-based scenarios where Java applets or Web Start applications execute untrusted code within sandboxed environments, creating multiple potential entry points for attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations that deploy Java-based applications in environments where untrusted code execution is necessary. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they can achieve unauthorized modification of data that would normally be protected by the Java sandbox security model. The affected environment typically includes client-side Java deployments where applications are launched through Java Web Start or applet mechanisms, often in enterprise settings where Java applications handle sensitive data. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the Java sandbox model, potentially allowing attackers to modify or delete critical application data without proper authentication.
The exploitation scenario involves network-based attackers who can leverage multiple protocols to target vulnerable Java SE installations. The vulnerability's applicability to web services that interact with JavaFX APIs further expands its attack surface, making it relevant for organizations that expose Java-based web services to external networks. Organizations using Java SE 8u231 in production environments, particularly those running sandboxed applications that load untrusted code, face significant risk from this vulnerability. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without requiring valid credentials, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where network exposure is common. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability when assessing Java-based application security, particularly in environments where Java applets or Web Start applications are still in use.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Java SE installations to version 8u241 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to Java-based applications and consider disabling Java applets and Web Start functionality where possible. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application layer execution and CWE-20 for improper input validation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls. Regular security assessments should verify that Java applications are not running in vulnerable configurations and that proper access controls are in place to limit potential impact from successful exploitation attempts.