CVE-2024-21005 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE • 04/17/2024
Vulnerability in the Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition product of Oracle Java SE (component: JavaFX). Supported versions that are affected are Oracle Java SE: 8u401; Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition: 20.3.13 and 21.3.9. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Oracle Java SE, 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 3.1 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2025
This vulnerability resides within the JavaFX component of Oracle Java SE and Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition, representing a significant security weakness that affects specific version ranges including Java SE 8u401 and GraalVM versions 20.3.13 and 21.3.9. The vulnerability classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack vector is accessible over multiple network protocols, it requires specific conditions to be met. The CVSS 3.1 score of 3.1 with a base vector of AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N places this vulnerability in the low to medium severity category, though the integrity impact component is particularly concerning given the potential for unauthorized data manipulation. The vulnerability's applicability is specifically limited to client-side Java deployments that operate within sandboxed environments, particularly those executing untrusted code loaded from the internet through Java Web Start applications or applets.
The technical flaw manifests in how JavaFX handles certain data processing operations within its framework, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate data integrity within sandboxed environments. This vulnerability operates under the principle that attackers can exploit the Java sandbox mechanism when applications load and execute untrusted code from external sources. The requirement for human interaction indicates that while network access is sufficient to initiate the attack, user engagement is necessary for successful exploitation, suggesting the attack may involve social engineering elements or require user consent for specific operations. The vulnerability's impact is confined to unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations against accessible data within the Java application's scope, meaning that while data integrity can be compromised, the scope of potential damage is limited to the data accessible through the affected JavaFX component.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends primarily to organizations that deploy Java applications in client environments where users might encounter untrusted code sources, particularly in scenarios involving Java Web Start applications or applets. This limitation means that server-side Java deployments running only trusted code are not affected, which aligns with the security principle of least privilege and sandboxing. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly relevant in environments where legacy Java applications continue to operate, as these systems often maintain older Java versions that may not have received security patches. Organizations should be particularly vigilant in environments where users have access to internet-based Java applications that might load untrusted code, as these scenarios create the conditions necessary for exploitation. The CVSS vector's classification of UI:R indicates that successful exploitation requires some form of user interaction, which could involve clicking on malicious links, opening infected files, or executing specific actions within the Java application interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate version updates to the affected Oracle Java SE and GraalVM Enterprise Edition versions, as well as implementing network-level controls to restrict access to potentially malicious code sources. Organizations should conduct comprehensive assessments of their Java deployment environments to identify systems running affected versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The vulnerability's nature suggests that implementing additional security layers such as application whitelisting, network segmentation, and user education programs can provide additional protection against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider disabling Java applets and Web Start applications where possible, as these deployment methods create the conditions necessary for this vulnerability to be exploited. The vulnerability's classification under CWE categories related to data integrity and sandbox bypass provides guidance for security professionals in understanding the underlying security weaknesses and implementing appropriate compensating controls.
This vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges associated with maintaining security in complex application frameworks like JavaFX, where the balance between functionality and security requires constant vigilance. The fact that this vulnerability affects both standard Java SE and GraalVM Enterprise Edition highlights the interconnected nature of Oracle's Java ecosystem and the importance of comprehensive patch management across all Java-related products. Organizations should also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability in relation to the ATT&CK framework, particularly in the context of privilege escalation and data manipulation techniques that attackers might employ when exploiting such sandbox bypass vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's impact on data integrity within sandboxed environments underscores the critical importance of maintaining proper access controls and monitoring for unauthorized data modifications in Java-based applications.