CVE-2003-0733 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in WebLogic Integration 7.0 and 2.0, Liquid Data 1.1, and WebLogic Server and Express 5.1 through 7.0, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary web script and steal authentication credentials via (1) a forward instruction to the Servlet container or (2) other vulnerabilities in the WebLogic Server console application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0733 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting multiple Oracle WebLogic products including Integration 7.0 and 2.0, Liquid Data 1.1, and WebLogic Server and Express versions 5.1 through 7.0. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically manifesting as a weakness in input validation and output encoding within the web application framework. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious script code into web applications that are then executed in the context of other users' browsers, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these middleware platforms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors. The first vector involves a forward instruction directed to the Servlet container, where improperly sanitized user input can be processed and subsequently rendered in web responses without adequate encoding or validation. The second vector targets the WebLogic Server console application, which serves as a management interface for administrators and users. This console application becomes a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit the XSS vulnerability, as it typically handles sensitive administrative functions and user authentication data. Both attack paths demonstrate the fundamental flaw in the applications' handling of user-supplied data, where input validation mechanisms fail to properly sanitize or encode potentially malicious content before it is processed and returned to users.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-0733 extends far beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to steal authentication credentials and execute arbitrary web scripts. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat that can be exploited to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected systems. The ability to execute arbitrary web scripts means attackers can perform actions such as redirecting users to malicious sites, modifying web page content, or extracting cookies and session tokens that contain authentication information. In the context of WebLogic Server console applications, this vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to gain administrative access to the application server itself, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is further expanded due to the widespread adoption of these Oracle products in enterprise environments, making organizations vulnerable to coordinated attacks targeting these specific versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0733 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their applications, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being processed or rendered in web responses. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by controlling which scripts can be executed within the browser context. Regular security updates and patches should be applied immediately upon availability, as Oracle would have released fixes addressing these specific vulnerabilities. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable console applications to untrusted networks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for Scripting, specifically targeting web application interfaces, while the CWE classification emphasizes the need for proper input validation and output encoding to prevent such injection attacks. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity targeting these specific vulnerabilities.