CVE-2021-2432 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2021
Vulnerability in the Java SE product of Oracle Java SE (component: JNDI). The supported version that is affected is Java SE: 7u301. 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 ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of Java SE. 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 can also be exploited by using APIs in the specified Component, e.g., through a web service which supplies data to the APIs. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 3.7 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/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 • 10/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-2432 represents a significant security weakness within Oracle Java SE's Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI) component, specifically affecting Java SE version 7u301. This flaw resides in the core directory services functionality that Java applications use to access naming and directory information services. The vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the Java runtime environment, leveraging the JNDI framework's capabilities to process directory service requests. The affected component specifically handles the resolution of naming and directory service references, making it a critical element for applications that rely on directory-based service discovery and name resolution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as a difficulty in exploitation scenario that requires minimal attacker privileges and network access through multiple protocols. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the category of remotely exploitable issues that can be initiated from external network positions without requiring authentication or specific user interaction. The vulnerability's impact is classified as a partial denial of service, meaning that successful exploitation can disrupt specific aspects of the Java SE functionality while maintaining overall system operation. The vulnerability's design allows attackers to compromise the availability of Java SE components through network-based attacks that target the JNDI implementation. The security implications are particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects Java deployments in sandboxed environments where applications are expected to operate under strict security constraints.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-2432 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the integrity of sandboxed Java applications that depend on the JNDI component for directory service operations. This vulnerability particularly affects Java Web Start applications and applets that execute untrusted code from internet sources, creating a dangerous attack surface where malicious actors can leverage the JNDI functionality to cause partial system disruptions. The attack vector through web services that supply data to JNDI APIs creates additional exposure points where legitimate services can become conduits for exploitation. The CVSS 3.1 scoring of 3.7 reflects the relatively low complexity required for exploitation combined with the availability impact that affects system functionality. This vulnerability demonstrates the risks associated with insecure JNDI implementations and the potential for remote attackers to disrupt Java SE services through network-based attacks.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation" and CWE-400, which covers "Uncontrolled Resource Consumption." The vulnerability operates within the ATT&CK framework's T1211 category for "Exploitation for Defense Evasion" and T1499 for "Endpoint Denial of Service," highlighting how this weakness can be leveraged for system disruption. Organizations running Java SE 7u301 deployments face particular risk when applications utilize JNDI for directory service operations, especially in environments where untrusted code execution is permitted. The vulnerability's applicability to sandboxed environments where code isolation is expected to provide security boundaries makes this issue particularly concerning for enterprise security postures. The partial denial of service impact means that while complete system compromise is not guaranteed, the disruption of specific Java SE functionalities can significantly impact application availability and business operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-2432 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java SE installations to the latest supported versions that contain security fixes for the JNDI component. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted network traffic, particularly in environments where Java Web Start applications or applets are deployed. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary JNDI lookup functionalities in Java applications and implementing strict network access controls that prevent unauthorized access to Java SE services. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual JNDI lookup patterns and network traffic related to directory service operations. The vulnerability's nature suggests that organizations should also review their Java deployment configurations to ensure that applications are not unnecessarily exposing JNDI functionality to external network access. Regular security assessments of Java applications and their integration with directory services can help identify potential exploitation vectors and ensure that proper security controls remain in place to protect against similar vulnerabilities.