CVE-2020-2805 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded product of Oracle Java SE (component: Libraries). 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 require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, Java SE Embedded, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java SE, Java SE Embedded. 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 3.0 Base Score 8.3 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
This vulnerability resides within the Java SE and Java SE Embedded runtime libraries, specifically affecting versions 7u251, 8u241, 11.0.6, and 14 for Java SE, along with 8u241 for Java SE Embedded. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that operates at the core of Java's security model, particularly impacting the sandboxing mechanisms designed to protect systems from malicious code execution. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions to be met, the attack surface remains significant given Java's widespread deployment across client systems. The CVSS 3.0 score of 8.3 reflects high severity across all impact vectors, demonstrating the potential for complete system compromise through this flaw.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within Java's class loading and execution processes, creating opportunities for attackers to bypass security restrictions that normally prevent malicious code from executing with elevated privileges. This weakness specifically affects sandboxed environments where untrusted code is executed, particularly Web Start applications and applets that users might encounter while browsing the internet. The vulnerability's exploitation requires human interaction, meaning users must perform specific actions such as clicking on malicious links or downloading compromised content, which aligns with the CVSS vector indicating user interaction is necessary for successful exploitation. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can achieve complete takeover of affected Java installations, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual Java installations to encompass broader enterprise security postures, particularly in environments where Java applets or Web Start applications are commonly used for business operations. Organizations running legacy systems or those that continue to support older Java versions face significant exposure, as the vulnerability affects multiple major release lines including Java 7, 8, 11, and 14. The attack vector through multiple protocols indicates that this weakness can be exploited across various network communication channels, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network segmentation may not be comprehensive. Security professionals should note that while the vulnerability primarily targets client-side Java deployments, its potential to impact additional products through cascading effects makes it a critical concern for overall security architecture.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Java versions, as well as implementing network-level controls to restrict access to potentially malicious content. Organizations should consider disabling Java applets and Web Start applications in browser environments where they are not strictly required, as this significantly reduces the attack surface. The vulnerability's relationship to CWE-248 (Uncaught Exception) and ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and code injection highlights the need for comprehensive security controls including application whitelisting, network monitoring, and regular security assessments. Additionally, implementing security awareness training to educate users about recognizing potentially malicious Java content can provide an additional layer of protection against social engineering aspects of exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as a client-side weakness also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures in user endpoint environments.