CVE-2023-22045 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, 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 network access via multiple protocols to compromise Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition, Oracle GraalVM for JDK. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition, Oracle GraalVM for JDK accessible data. Note: This vulnerability can be exploited by using APIs in the specified Component, e.g., through a web service which supplies data to the APIs. This vulnerability also 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. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 3.7 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/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 affects multiple Java runtime versions. The flaw manifests as a difficulty-to-exploit condition that permits unauthenticated network-based attacks targeting the affected Java environments. The vulnerability's classification under CVSS 3.1 with a base score of 3.7 indicates a low to medium severity threat, specifically impacting confidentiality aspects of the system. The attack vector requires network access and can be executed through multiple protocols, making it particularly concerning for environments where Java applications are exposed to external networks. The vulnerability's impact is limited to unauthorized read access of subset data within the Java runtime environment, though this can still represent a substantial risk for sensitive information exposure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the way Java Hotspot handles certain API interactions within the runtime environment. Attackers can leverage APIs within the affected component to access data that should normally be protected by the Java security model. This exploitation pathway is particularly dangerous because it can be initiated through web services that feed data to the vulnerable APIs, creating a direct attack surface that extends beyond traditional application boundaries. The vulnerability's applicability to Java deployments in sandboxed environments like Java Web Start applications and applets further amplifies its potential impact, as these environments are designed to provide security through isolation but are now compromised by this flaw.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend across multiple deployment scenarios within enterprise environments. Organizations running affected Java versions must consider the potential for data leakage from applications that rely on the vulnerable Hotspot component. The fact that this vulnerability can be exploited through untrusted code loaded in sandboxed environments means that even applications that appear secure from external threats could be compromised if they load content from untrusted sources. This affects not just server-side applications but also client-side deployments where users might encounter malicious content through web browsers or other internet-based delivery mechanisms. The vulnerability's presence in both Oracle Java SE and GraalVM implementations creates a broad attack surface that requires careful assessment across different development and deployment environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of Oracle Java SE and GraalVM implementations. Organizations must prioritize updating their affected systems to versions that contain the necessary security fixes, particularly those that address the specific Hotspot component flaws. Network-level protections should include firewall rules that restrict unnecessary access to Java applications and services, while application-level controls should implement additional data validation and access controls beyond what the Java sandbox provides. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual data access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify other potential attack vectors within Java deployments. The vulnerability's classification under CWE categories related to information exposure and API misuse suggests that defensive measures should include comprehensive code reviews and security testing of all API interactions within Java applications. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where Java applications are exposed to untrusted networks or users.