CVE-2003-1095 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
BEA WebLogic Server and Express 7.0 and 7.0.0.1, when using "memory" session persistence for web applications, does not clear authentication information when a web application is redeployed, which could allow users of that application to gain access without having to re-authenticate.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1095 represents a critical session management flaw within BEA WebLogic Server versions 7.0 and 7.0.0.1 that specifically impacts applications utilizing memory-based session persistence mechanisms. This security weakness stems from improper session cleanup procedures during application redeployment operations, creating a persistent authentication bypass condition that undermines the fundamental security model of web applications. The flaw occurs when web applications are redeployed while maintaining memory-based session storage, leading to a scenario where previously authenticated sessions retain their credentials and access privileges despite the application being refreshed or updated.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the session persistence implementation where authentication tokens and user credentials remain cached in memory even after application redeployment. When a web application is redeployed, the system should invalidate existing sessions and force users to re-authenticate, but the memory session persistence mechanism fails to properly clear these cached authentication states. This creates a condition where users who previously authenticated to the application can continue accessing protected resources without re-authentication, effectively bypassing the normal authentication flow. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the session management layer, which is a fundamental component of web application security architecture and directly impacts the principle of least privilege.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1095 extends beyond simple convenience issues, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by both malicious actors and authorized users with malicious intent. An attacker who gains access to a valid session token could potentially maintain access to sensitive application resources even after administrators have redeployed applications for maintenance or security updates. This vulnerability directly violates security standards such as those outlined in CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in session management, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 related to credential access through session hijacking. The flaw particularly affects environments where frequent redeployments occur, such as development and testing environments, where administrators may regularly update applications without considering the implications for existing authenticated sessions.
Organizations using affected BEA WebLogic Server versions should implement immediate mitigations including disabling memory session persistence for applications requiring strong authentication, implementing proper session invalidation procedures during redeployment, and ensuring that application administrators are aware of the vulnerability's implications. The recommended approach involves configuring applications to use more secure session persistence mechanisms such as database-backed sessions or file-based persistence that properly handle session cleanup during application lifecycle events. Additionally, administrators should implement monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access patterns and establish policies for mandatory re-authentication following application redeployments. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper session management and lifecycle handling in web application security, particularly when dealing with authentication state that must be carefully managed across application updates and maintenance operations. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation details in session management can create significant security vulnerabilities that persist across application lifecycle events.