CVE-2023-22041 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE • 07/19/2023
Vulnerability in the Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition, Oracle GraalVM for JDK product of Oracle Java SE (component: Hotspot). Supported versions that are affected are Oracle Java SE: 8u371-perf, 11.0.19, 17.0.7, 20.0.1; Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition: 20.3.10, 21.3.6, 22.3.2; Oracle GraalVM for JDK: 17.0.7 and 20.0.1. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with logon to the infrastructure where Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition, Oracle GraalVM for JDK executes to compromise Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition, Oracle GraalVM for JDK. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to critical data or complete access to all Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition, Oracle GraalVM for JDK accessible data. 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 3.1 Base Score 5.1 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2025
This vulnerability resides within the Hotspot component of Oracle Java SE and GraalVM implementations, representing a significant security weakness that can be exploited by attackers with local access to affected systems. The vulnerability affects multiple version streams including Java SE 8u371-perf, 11.0.19, 17.0.7, and 20.0.1, alongside various GraalVM editions. The CVSS score of 5.1 indicates a medium severity threat that specifically targets confidentiality impacts, allowing potential unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability's difficulty of exploitation suggests it requires specific conditions but remains a serious concern for system administrators and security professionals.
The technical flaw manifests in how the Hotspot JVM handles certain code execution paths when running untrusted code within sandboxed environments. This particular vulnerability operates within the Java sandbox model that is designed to isolate potentially malicious code from the underlying system resources. When Java Web Start applications or applets execute untrusted code, the sandbox mechanism should prevent unauthorized access to system data. However, this vulnerability creates a bypass mechanism that allows attackers to circumvent these protective measures, potentially leading to complete data compromise. The attack vector requires local access to the target system, meaning an attacker must first establish a foothold through other means before leveraging this specific vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can potentially provide attackers with complete access to all data accessible through the affected Java runtime environments. This is particularly concerning for deployments in client environments where sandboxed applications frequently process data from untrusted sources such as internet-based applications. The vulnerability's applicability to client-side Java deployments means that end-user systems running Java Web Start applications or applets could be compromised, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive information stored locally or accessed through the Java environment. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability does not affect server-side Java deployments that run only trusted code, but rather specifically targets client environments where untrusted code execution is common.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to the latest supported versions of Oracle Java SE and GraalVM products, as well as reviewing and restricting the execution of untrusted Java code in client environments. System administrators should consider disabling Java applets and Web Start applications where possible, particularly in environments where they are not essential for business operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-242, which addresses the use of potentially dangerous functions, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation may involve command execution within compromised environments. Regular security assessments should include verification of Java runtime configurations and monitoring for suspicious code execution patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.