CVE-2020-2755 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded product of Oracle Java SE (component: Scripting). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 8u241, 11.0.6 and 14; Java SE Embedded: 8u241. Difficult to exploit 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 ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of Java SE, Java SE Embedded. Note: Applies to client and server deployment of Java. This vulnerability can be exploited through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and sandboxed Java applets. It can also be exploited by supplying data to APIs in the specified Component without using sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, such as through a web service. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 3.7 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2755 resides within the scripting component of Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple Java versions including 8u241, 11.0.6, and 14 for standard Java SE deployments, along with 8u241 for embedded systems. This flaw operates at the scripting layer where Java's interoperability with dynamic languages and script execution capabilities creates an attack surface that can be exploited by unauthenticated remote adversaries. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack vector requires some technical sophistication, it remains a genuine threat to Java deployments across various environments including both client and server configurations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of script execution contexts within the Java scripting framework, allowing attackers to manipulate the scripting engine in ways that can lead to partial denial of service conditions. The attack can be initiated through multiple network protocols, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged across different communication channels without requiring authentication credentials. This characteristic aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a critical weakness in the input sanitization mechanisms that should protect Java's scripting subsystem from malicious code injection attempts. The vulnerability's impact is specifically categorized as availability impact with a CVSS score of 3.7, indicating that successful exploitation can result in partial system unavailability or service disruption.
The operational implications of CVE-2020-2755 extend beyond simple service disruption as it affects the fundamental security model of Java applications that rely on scripting capabilities. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets, which are designed to provide isolated execution environments for potentially untrusted code. However, this vulnerability demonstrates that the sandboxing mechanisms may be insufficient to prevent malicious script execution that can consume system resources or cause application instability. The vulnerability's reach is further amplified by its ability to be exploited through direct API data injection, bypassing the traditional sandboxed execution paths and allowing attackers to compromise systems through web services or other application programming interfaces that process scripting inputs. This exploitation capability places the vulnerability within ATT&CK framework category T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter techniques, specifically targeting the scripting engine component.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate version upgrades to patched Java releases, as Oracle typically addresses such scripting engine vulnerabilities through targeted updates that enhance input validation and strengthen sandbox boundaries. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks, particularly those that handle scripting inputs from external sources. Additionally, application developers should review their code to ensure that scripting components are properly isolated and that input validation occurs at multiple layers within the application architecture. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual resource consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the scripting frameworks across the enterprise infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification as a partial denial of service means that while complete system compromise may not be possible, the availability of Java applications can be significantly impacted, making proactive mitigation essential for maintaining service continuity and system reliability.