CVE-2022-21349 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE • 01/19/2022
Vulnerability in the Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition product of Oracle Java SE (component: 2D). Supported versions that are affected are Oracle Java SE: 7u321, 8u311; Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition: 20.3.4 and 21.3.0. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition. 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 5.3 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-21349 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle Java SE and GraalVM Enterprise Edition products, specifically within the 2D graphics component. This vulnerability affects multiple versions including Java SE 7u321 and 8u311, along with GraalVM Enterprise Edition versions 20.3.4 and 21.3.0, making it a widespread concern for organizations utilizing these platforms. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring specialized skills or privileged access, posing a substantial risk to systems that rely on these Java implementations for their operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability resides in the 2D graphics component of Java SE, which is part of the broader Java platform's rendering capabilities. This component handles various graphical operations and rendering tasks within Java applications. The flaw manifests when the system processes untrusted code through sandboxed environments, particularly in scenarios where Java Web Start applications or applets are executed. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability relates to improper handling of untrusted input within graphical rendering components, creating potential for code execution or system instability. The vulnerability's impact is primarily focused on availability rather than confidentiality or integrity, though the partial denial of service could severely impact system functionality and user experience.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-21349 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it specifically targets the core rendering capabilities that many Java applications depend upon. Organizations running Java applications in client environments, particularly those that execute untrusted code from the internet, face significant exposure through this vulnerability. The attack vector through multiple protocols indicates that the vulnerability can be exploited across various network communication channels, increasing the attack surface and making it more challenging to defend against. This vulnerability particularly affects systems that rely on Java sandboxing for security isolation, as the flaw undermines the fundamental security model that separates trusted and untrusted code execution environments.
From a defensive perspective, the vulnerability's CVSS 3.1 score of 5.3 indicates a medium severity level, though the potential for partial denial of service makes it a critical concern for system availability. The vulnerability's applicability to web services that supply data to APIs through the affected component means that organizations must consider their entire attack surface, not just direct client applications. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected Java versions, implementing network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable systems, and reviewing applications that utilize the 2D graphics component. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary Java applet and Web Start functionality, as outlined in ATT&CK framework's mitigation strategies for Java-based attacks. The vulnerability's characteristics align with the broader category of sandbox bypass techniques, where attackers exploit component-level flaws to escape restricted execution environments, making comprehensive security reviews essential for maintaining system integrity.