CVE-2000-1238 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
BEA Systems WebLogic Express and WebLogic Server 5.1 SP1-SP6 allows remote attackers to bypass access controls for restricted JSP or servlet pages via a URL with multiple / (forward slash) characters before the restricted pages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-1238 represents a critical access control bypass flaw affecting BEA Systems WebLogic Express and WebLogic Server versions 5.1 SP1 through SP6. This issue stems from improper handling of URL path traversal sequences where attackers can exploit the server's interpretation of multiple forward slash characters to gain unauthorized access to restricted resources. The vulnerability specifically targets the web server's security mechanisms that should prevent access to sensitive JSP or servlet pages, creating a pathway for remote attackers to circumvent established access controls.
The technical flaw manifests when the WebLogic server processes URLs containing multiple consecutive forward slash characters before restricted page paths. The server's URL parsing logic fails to properly normalize these path sequences, allowing maliciously crafted URLs to bypass the intended security boundaries. This occurs because the server does not adequately canonicalize the URL paths, enabling attackers to manipulate the request structure to access protected resources that should only be available to authorized users. The vulnerability exploits the server's lack of proper input validation and path normalization, creating a condition where the access control system cannot properly evaluate the requested resource path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the web server's security architecture. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to access sensitive administrative interfaces, confidential application data, or restricted system resources without authentication. The vulnerability affects the core security model of the WebLogic server, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, extract sensitive information, or perform administrative actions on the affected systems. This issue particularly impacts organizations running legacy WebLogic Server implementations where the vulnerability cannot be patched due to compatibility concerns or system constraints.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-1238 should focus on implementing proper URL normalization and input validation within the web server configuration. Organizations should consider applying the latest available patches from BEA Systems, which would address the path traversal handling logic. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malformed URL sequences attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper URL filtering rules and ensuring that the web server configuration enforces strict path validation can prevent attackers from manipulating URL structures to bypass access controls. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unusual URL patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts for maintaining persistent access, while also representing a classic example of improper input validation that undermines fundamental security controls. The issue demonstrates the importance of proper path canonicalization in web security implementations and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of URL handling mechanisms in enterprise web applications.