CVE-2020-2764 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE product of Oracle Java SE (component: Advanced Management Console). The supported version that is affected is Java Advanced Management Console: 2.16. 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 read access to a subset of Java SE 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 3.0 Base Score 3.7 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2764 resides within the Java SE Advanced Management Console component, specifically affecting version 2.16 of the Java Advanced Management Console. This represents a significant security weakness in Oracle's Java platform that has been classified with a CVSS 3.0 base score of 3.7, indicating a low to medium severity threat. The vulnerability manifests as a difficulty in exploitation scenario, meaning that while it can be leveraged by attackers, the conditions required for successful exploitation are somewhat restrictive. The affected component operates within the broader Java SE ecosystem, which serves as a foundation for countless enterprise applications and systems worldwide, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The technical flaw within the Advanced Management Console component stems from insufficient access controls and authentication mechanisms that allow unauthenticated attackers to gain unauthorized read access to specific subsets of Java SE data. This vulnerability operates through multiple network protocols, providing attackers with various potential attack vectors to exploit the weakness. The attack surface is particularly interesting because it requires attackers to supply data directly to APIs within the specified component rather than relying on traditional Java Web Start applications or applets. This distinction places the vulnerability within the realm of API-based attacks where the attacker can interact directly with the management console's interfaces. The vulnerability's classification under CWE 284 (Improper Access Control) and its alignment with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) demonstrates how it fits into broader attack patterns where unauthorized data access occurs through legitimate system interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it enables unauthorized read access to sensitive Java SE data that could include configuration information, system parameters, or other potentially valuable data elements. While the CVSS score suggests limited impact in terms of confidentiality breach, the fact that this vulnerability can be exploited through network access without requiring authentication creates a substantial risk for organizations relying on the affected Java SE version. The vulnerability's requirement for direct API interaction rather than traditional web-based attacks means that organizations must carefully monitor and secure their management console interfaces. The low attack complexity score (AC:H) indicates that while the attack is not trivial, it is certainly achievable by determined adversaries with basic network access. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where management interfaces are exposed to untrusted networks or where network segmentation is inadequate.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations focusing on network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure of the affected management console. The recommended approach includes restricting network access to the Advanced Management Console through firewall rules, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and ensuring that the affected component is not exposed to untrusted networks. Security professionals should also consider disabling unnecessary management console features and regularly monitoring access logs for suspicious activities. The vulnerability's nature suggests that patch management should be prioritized, with organizations updating to versions that address the specific access control weaknesses. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual API access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments of management interfaces will significantly reduce the risk profile associated with this vulnerability. The attack vector's emphasis on API-based exploitation aligns with modern security practices that require careful consideration of all system interfaces and their access controls, particularly those that provide administrative capabilities.