CVE-2022-39399 Overview
CVE-2022-39399 is a vulnerability in the Oracle Java SE and Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition products, specifically affecting the Networking component. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker with network access via HTTP to potentially compromise affected Java deployments. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized update, insert, or delete access to some accessible data within the affected products.
This vulnerability specifically impacts Java deployments that run untrusted code in sandboxed environments, such as Java Web Start applications or Java applets that load code from the internet and rely on the Java sandbox for security. Server-side Java deployments that only run trusted, administrator-installed code are not affected by this vulnerability.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can potentially modify data in affected Oracle Java SE and GraalVM Enterprise Edition deployments running untrusted code via network-based HTTP attacks.
Affected Products
- Oracle Java SE: 11.0.16.1, 17.0.4.1, 19
- Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition: 20.3.7, 21.3.3, 22.2.0
- Oracle JDK: 11.0.16.1, 17.0.4.1, 19
- Oracle JRE: 11.0.16.1, 17.0.4.1, 19
- Fedora: 35, 36
- NetApp 7-Mode Transition Tool
- NetApp Cloud Insights Acquisition Unit
- NetApp Cloud Secure Agent
- NetApp E-Series SANtricity OS Controller
- NetApp E-Series SANtricity Storage Manager
- NetApp E-Series SANtricity Unified Manager
- NetApp OnCommand Insight
- NetApp OnCommand Workflow Automation
- NetApp SANtricity Storage Plugin
- NetApp SANtricity Web Services Proxy
- Azul Zulu: 11.58, 13.50, 15.42, 17.36, 19.28
Discovery Timeline
- October 18, 2022 - CVE-2022-39399 published to NVD
- November 21, 2024 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2022-39399
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability resides in the Networking component of Oracle Java SE and Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition. The flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to exploit the vulnerability remotely via HTTP without requiring user interaction. The attack complexity is high, meaning specific conditions must be met for successful exploitation.
The vulnerability affects the integrity of the system, allowing unauthorized modification of data. However, it does not impact confidentiality (no unauthorized data access) or availability (no denial of service). The scope remains unchanged, meaning the vulnerable component and impacted component are the same.
This vulnerability is particularly relevant for client-side Java deployments where untrusted code is executed within the Java sandbox. Organizations running Java Web Start applications or Java applets that process internet-sourced code should prioritize assessment and remediation.
Root Cause
The vulnerability stems from an improper handling mechanism within the Networking component of Java SE and GraalVM Enterprise Edition. While Oracle has not disclosed specific technical details about the root cause, the vulnerability allows network-based attacks that can bypass expected security controls in sandboxed Java environments.
The flaw specifically affects the security boundary that the Java sandbox provides, enabling potential data manipulation when processing untrusted network content via HTTP protocols.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for CVE-2022-39399 is network-based, requiring HTTP access to the vulnerable Java deployment. An attacker does not need authentication credentials or user interaction to exploit this vulnerability, though the high attack complexity indicates that specific environmental conditions must exist.
Exploitation scenarios include:
The attacker must target Java deployments running untrusted code in sandboxed environments. By crafting specific HTTP requests or responses, the attacker can potentially manipulate how the Networking component processes data, leading to unauthorized data modifications. Server-side Java applications running only trusted code are not susceptible to this attack.
Detection Methods for CVE-2022-39399
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual HTTP traffic patterns targeting Java applications running sandboxed code
- Unexpected data modifications in Java-based systems without corresponding legitimate user activity
- Anomalous network connections from Java Web Start applications or applets to untrusted external endpoints
Detection Strategies
- Monitor network traffic for suspicious HTTP requests to Java applications, particularly those running applets or Web Start applications
- Implement application-level logging to track data modification events and correlate with network activity
- Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for known Java exploitation patterns
- Audit Java application configurations to identify deployments running untrusted code
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging on Java applications that process untrusted network content
- Monitor for changes in Java Security Manager configurations or sandbox policy files
- Track Java version inventory across the organization to identify vulnerable installations
- Implement network segmentation to isolate systems running Java applets or Web Start applications
How to Mitigate CVE-2022-39399
Immediate Actions Required
- Inventory all Java SE and GraalVM Enterprise Edition installations across the environment to identify affected versions
- Prioritize patching systems running Java Web Start applications or applets that execute untrusted code
- Review and restrict network access to vulnerable Java deployments until patches can be applied
- Consider disabling Java applets and Web Start applications where business requirements permit
Patch Information
Oracle has released security patches addressing CVE-2022-39399 as part of the October 2022 Critical Patch Update. Organizations should apply the latest available patches from Oracle for Java SE and GraalVM Enterprise Edition.
For detailed patch information and download links, refer to the Oracle Critical Patch Update October 2022.
Additional vendor advisories are available:
Workarounds
- Disable Java Web Start and Java applet functionality if not required for business operations
- Implement strict network access controls to limit HTTP traffic to vulnerable Java deployments
- Deploy web application firewalls (WAF) to filter suspicious HTTP requests targeting Java applications
- Migrate from legacy Java applet deployments to modern alternatives where feasible
# Example: Disable Java Web Start associations on Windows systems
# Remove .jnlp file associations to prevent automatic execution
assoc .jnlp=
ftype JNLPFile=
# Example: Restrict Java plugin in browsers (varies by browser)
# Check browser settings to disable Java plugin or limit to trusted sites only
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
