CVE-2023-22081 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Vulnerability in the Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM for JDK, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition product of Oracle Java SE (component: JSSE). Supported versions that are affected are Oracle Java SE: 8u381, 8u381-perf, 11.0.20, 17.0.8, 21; Oracle GraalVM for JDK: 17.0.8, 21; Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition: 20.3.11, 21.3.7 and 22.3.3. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via HTTPS to compromise Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM for JDK, 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 for JDK, 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 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 5.3 (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 • 02/19/2025
This vulnerability resides within the Java Secure Socket Extension component of Oracle Java SE and its related GraalVM implementations, specifically affecting versions through the 21 release cycle. The flaw manifests as a weakness in the SSL/TLS handshake process that permits unauthenticated network attackers to exploit the system through HTTPS connections. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that minimal prerequisites are required for successful exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted code execution is permitted. The CVSS score of 5.3 reflects the availability impact with a low attack complexity and no authentication requirements, while the vector indicates network access is sufficient for exploitation without user interaction or privilege escalation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a partial denial of service condition that can be triggered when the JSSE component processes certain malformed SSL/TLS handshake messages. This flaw specifically impacts Java deployments that execute untrusted code within sandboxed environments such as Java Web Start applications or applets, where the security model relies heavily on the sandbox for protection. The vulnerability does not affect server deployments that execute only trusted code, as these environments typically have more robust security boundaries. The attack surface expands to include any system where users might encounter untrusted code from the internet, particularly in client-side applications that utilize the Java sandbox as their primary security mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the availability of critical Java applications and services. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause partial denial of service conditions that may affect application responsiveness or functionality, though not complete system compromise. Organizations running Java applications in client environments that rely on sandboxed execution models face significant risk, particularly in scenarios where users frequently access untrusted content from the internet. The vulnerability's presence in multiple release versions including Java 8, 11, 17, and 21, as well as the GraalVM variants, indicates a widespread exposure across the Java ecosystem. This affects organizations that deploy Java-based applications in environments where user interaction with internet content is common, such as web browsers with Java plugin support or desktop applications that fetch content from external sources.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected Oracle Java SE and GraalVM installations to the latest security releases. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit unnecessary HTTPS access to Java applications, particularly in client environments. The principle of least privilege should be applied to Java deployments, ensuring that only trusted code is executed in sandboxed environments. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual SSL/TLS handshake patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling Java applets and Web Start applications where possible, as these technologies are particularly vulnerable to such attacks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-248, which addresses the exposure of an exception in a Java application, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services, with potential lateral movement through compromised Java applications.