CVE-2023-21939: Vulnerability in Oracle Java SE and Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition Swing Component Leads to Unauthorized Data Manipulation

A vulnerability has been identified in the Oracle Java SE and Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition software products that affects the Swing component (CVE-2023-21939). This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers with network access via HTTP to compromise the security of these systems, leading to unauthorized update, insert, or delete access to some data. The impacted versions include Oracle Java SE 8u361, 8u361-perf, 11..18, 17..6, 20; Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition 20.3.9, 21.3.5, and 22.3.1.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability applies to Java deployments which typically run sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, loading and running untrusted code (e.g., code coming from the internet) and relying on the Java sandbox for security. This vulnerability can also be exploited through APIs in the specified component, such as through a web service which provides data to the APIs.

For more information, you can refer to the original reference and Oracle's advisory.

CVSS 3.1 Base Score: 5.3 (Integrity impacts)
CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N)

Example Code Snippet

The following code snippet demonstrates the use of the Swing component in an affected Java application:

import javax.swing.*;

public class SwingExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        JFrame frame = new JFrame("Vulnerable Swing Application");
        frame.setDefaultCloseOperation(JFrame.EXIT_ON_CLOSE);
        // Add a label to the frame
        JLabel label = new JLabel("Welcome to the Swing Example", SwingConstants.CENTER);
        frame.add(label);
        // Set frame size and make it visible
        frame.setSize(400, 200);
        frame.setVisible(true);
    }
}

Attackers may exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious network requests to such applications or by using a web service that supplies data to the affected APIs.

Mitigation

To avoid exploitation of this vulnerability, users should apply the necessary Oracle security patches and update their Java deployments to a secure version. Additionally, users should follow the principle of least privilege by avoiding running untrusted code in sandboxed environments.

Furthermore, developers should consider using more secure alternatives to Swing components while building Java applications or at least ensure appropriate security measures are in place to restrict unauthenticated network access.

Conclusion

CVE-2023-21939 is a significant vulnerability affecting the Oracle Java SE and Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition products. Users and developers are encouraged to assess their systems, apply patches, and monitor for future updates or fixes to this vulnerability. Stay vigilant and safeguard your systems from potential threats.

Timeline

Published on: 04/18/2023 20:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 04/27/2023 15:15:00 UTC