CVE-2020-2800 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded product of Oracle Java SE (component: Lightweight HTTP Server). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u251, 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 update, insert or delete access to some of Java SE, Java SE Embedded accessible data as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of Java SE, Java SE Embedded 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 4.8 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2800 resides within the Lightweight HTTP Server component of Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple version branches including Java SE 7u251, 8u241, 11.0.6, and 14, alongside Java SE Embedded 8u241. This flaw manifests as a remote code execution risk that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers who gain network access through various protocols, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of Java applications across enterprise environments. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions for successful exploitation, the potential impact remains substantial enough to warrant immediate attention from security professionals.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of data within the Lightweight HTTP Server component, which serves as a minimal web server implementation within the Java runtime environment. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the server's behavior through carefully crafted inputs sent to APIs within the affected component, without requiring the use of untrusted Java Web Start applications or applets. The attack vector specifically targets the server's ability to process incoming requests and data, creating opportunities for unauthorized modifications to system data and access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's CVSS 3.0 score of 4.8 reflects its moderate severity level, with particular emphasis on confidentiality and integrity impacts that align with CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and CWE-770 (Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling) categories.
From an operational perspective, successful exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized data manipulation activities including updates, inserts, and deletions of sensitive information within the affected Java applications. Additionally, attackers can gain unauthorized read access to subsets of data that would normally be protected, potentially exposing confidential business information, user data, or system configurations. The impact extends beyond simple data compromise as the vulnerability affects core system integrity by allowing unauthorized modifications to application data, which could ultimately lead to service disruption or further escalation attacks. Organizations running Java applications that utilize the Lightweight HTTP Server component face significant risk, particularly in environments where network exposure is high or where the server handles sensitive data processing.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-2800 should focus on immediate patching of affected Java versions through Oracle's security updates, as well as implementing network-level controls to restrict access to the Lightweight HTTP Server component. Organizations should also consider disabling the Lightweight HTTP Server functionality when it is not actively required, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit access to the affected components, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual patterns of data access or modification that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough assessments of their Java application environments to identify all instances of the vulnerable component and ensure proper remediation measures are implemented across all affected systems. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and data manipulation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls that address both immediate patching requirements and long-term defensive measures against similar threats.