CVE-2003-1094 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
BEA WebLogic Server and Express version 7.0 SP3 may follow certain code execution paths that result in an incorrect current user, such as in the frequent use of JNDI initial contexts, which could allow remote authenticated users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1094 affects BEA WebLogic Server and Express version 7.0 SP3, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that stems from improper handling of user context during code execution paths. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the application server processes JNDI initial contexts, creating conditions where the system fails to correctly maintain the authenticated user identity during operations. The flaw exists within the server's security model implementation, where the current user context becomes corrupted or incorrectly determined when executing certain code paths, particularly those involving directory services integration. This mismanagement of user identity creates a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the WebLogic server's handling of JNDI (Java Naming and Directory Interface) operations within its security framework. When JNDI initial contexts are frequently used, the server's internal user context management fails to properly preserve the authenticated user's identity, potentially allowing an attacker to execute operations with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and specifically relates to the improper handling of authentication context within enterprise application servers. The flaw occurs because the server's security subsystem does not adequately validate or maintain the user identity when transitioning between different code execution paths that involve JNDI operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on BEA WebLogic Server 7.0 SP3, as it allows remote authenticated users to escalate their privileges within the system. An attacker who has already established an authenticated session can exploit this flaw to perform actions that would normally require higher privileges, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, system resources, or administrative functions. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to enterprise resources. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through legitimate system access. Organizations using this version of WebLogic Server face exposure to attackers who can leverage their existing authenticated sessions to bypass security controls and execute unauthorized operations.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1094 primarily involve applying the official patches released by BEA Systems, which address the core issue in the server's user context handling mechanism. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to WebLogic servers, enforce strict access controls, and monitor for unusual authentication patterns or privilege escalation attempts. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing application-level firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper context management in enterprise security frameworks and demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in authentication handling can result in significant security breaches. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in legacy systems, as this vulnerability represents a pattern of improper privilege handling that can occur in complex enterprise application servers. Organizations should also consider migrating to supported versions of WebLogic Server to avoid exposure to unpatched vulnerabilities and benefit from improved security features and ongoing support.