CVE-2024-20932 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE • 01/17/2024
Vulnerability in the Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM for JDK, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition product of Oracle Java SE (component: Security). Supported versions that are affected are Oracle Java SE: 17.0.9; Oracle GraalVM for JDK: 17.0.9; Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition: 21.3.8 and 22.3.4. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM for JDK, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized creation, deletion or modification access to critical data or all Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM for JDK, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition 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 7.5 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2025
This vulnerability resides within the Oracle Java SE platform and its associated GraalVM implementations, specifically affecting versions 17.0.9 of Java SE and GraalVM for JDK, along with versions 21.3.8 and 22.3.4 of GraalVM Enterprise Edition. The flaw manifests in the security component of these Java implementations, creating a pathway for unauthorized manipulation of critical data through network-based attacks. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers require minimal prerequisites to leverage this weakness, with no authentication requirements and no user interaction needed for successful exploitation. This characteristic places the vulnerability squarely within the purview of the Common Weakness Enumeration framework under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to gain privileges or access to restricted resources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sandboxing controls within the Java runtime environment when processing untrusted code from network sources. When Java Web Start applications or applets execute code downloaded from the internet, the security model should prevent unauthorized data modification operations. However, this flaw allows attackers to bypass these protective mechanisms, creating a scenario where malicious code can perform unauthorized modifications to data accessible within the Java environment. The attack vector operates across multiple protocols, indicating that the vulnerability's exploitation is not limited to a single communication channel but can be leveraged through various network interfaces and transmission methods. The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.5 reflects the significant integrity impact, as evidenced by the vector notation showing high integrity impact (I:H) while maintaining moderate availability impact (A:N) and no confidentiality impact (C:N).
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification to potentially compromise entire data repositories within affected Java deployments. Attackers exploiting this weakness can create, delete, or modify critical data accessible through the Java runtime environment, effectively undermining the integrity of systems that rely on Java-based applications for business operations. This vulnerability particularly affects client-side deployments where sandboxed applications execute untrusted code, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments that utilize Java applets or Web Start applications for various business processes. The security implications are amplified because the vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for environments where Java applications run with elevated privileges or access to sensitive corporate data.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Oracle Java SE and GraalVM implementations, particularly focusing on the affected version ranges mentioned in the vulnerability description. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to Java applications where possible, while administrators should carefully evaluate which applications require the execution of untrusted code. The mitigation strategy should also include monitoring network traffic for suspicious activities related to Java applications and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized Java code. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling Java applets and Web Start applications in browsers where possible, as these technologies represent common attack vectors for this type of vulnerability. This approach aligns with the ATT&CK framework's methodology for defending against privilege escalation and persistence techniques, particularly those involving sandbox bypass mechanisms that attackers use to gain unauthorized access to system resources.