CVE-2003-1093 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
BEA WebLogic Server 6.1, 7.0 and 7.0.0.1, when routing messages to a JMS target domain that is inaccessible, may leak the user s password when it throws a ResourceAllocationException.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2025
This vulnerability exists in BEA WebLogic Server versions 6.1, 7.0, and 7.0.0.1 where the application fails to properly handle exceptions when routing messages to inaccessible JMS target domains. The flaw occurs during the resource allocation process when the system throws a ResourceAllocationException, which inadvertently exposes user credentials in the error message context. This represents a critical security oversight in the server's exception handling mechanism that directly violates security best practices for credential protection.
The technical implementation flaw stems from improper exception management within the JMS routing functionality where sensitive authentication information becomes embedded in exception messages before they are processed or logged. When the system attempts to route messages to a domain that cannot be accessed, the ResourceAllocationException contains user password information in its stack trace or error payload, creating an information disclosure vulnerability. This behavior aligns with CWE-209, which describes improper handling of exceptions that may leak sensitive information, and CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive data through improper error handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to obtain valid user credentials through simple error message inspection. An attacker who can trigger the JMS routing failure condition can capture password information from the ResourceAllocationException, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the WebLogic server and associated applications. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices, as sensitive authentication data should never be exposed in error conditions regardless of the system state.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper exception handling that sanitizes error messages before they are generated or displayed. Organizations must ensure that WebLogic Server instances are updated to patched versions that address this vulnerability, as BEA released security updates specifically targeting this issue. The implementation should include proper logging controls that prevent credential exposure, input validation for JMS routing parameters, and comprehensive monitoring of error conditions that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access through application vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for robust application security controls throughout the development lifecycle.