CVE-2003-1222 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
BEA Weblogic Express and Server 8.0 through 8.1 SP 1, when using a foreign Java Message Service (JMS) provider, echoes the password for the foreign provider to the console and stores it in cleartext in config.xml, which could allow attackers to obtain the password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2019
This vulnerability exists in BEA Weblogic Express and Server versions 8.0 through 8.1 SP 1 when configured to use foreign Java Message Service providers. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that directly violates multiple security principles and industry standards. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage and transmission. When administrators configure foreign JMS providers, the system automatically echoes the password to the console output and persists it in cleartext within the config.xml configuration file, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by attackers with access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication credentials within the Weblogic configuration management system. When foreign JMS providers are configured, the system performs no encryption or obfuscation of the password field during the configuration process, nor does it implement secure credential storage mechanisms. The cleartext password appears in console logs and remains permanently stored in the config.xml file, which is typically located in the server's configuration directory and may be accessible through various attack vectors including local file system access, backup files, or misconfigured permissions. This behavior directly contradicts security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, which mandate that sensitive authentication data should never be stored in cleartext format.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and lateral movement within the target environment. Attackers who gain access to the system can easily extract the cleartext password from the config.xml file and console logs, enabling them to impersonate legitimate JMS provider connections and potentially access sensitive data flows. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers "Credentials In Files" and represents a common attack vector used by adversaries to obtain authentication credentials. The exposure of these credentials can lead to unauthorized access to message queues, potential data breaches, and compromise of downstream systems that rely on the foreign JMS provider for communication. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire messaging infrastructure, as the compromised credentials can be used to access and manipulate message queues that may contain sensitive business or personal data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of BEA Weblogic Server, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases through improved credential handling mechanisms and secure configuration practices. The recommended approach includes implementing proper credential encryption, using secure configuration management tools, and ensuring that configuration files are properly secured with appropriate file system permissions. Additionally, administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to the Weblogic server configuration files and establish monitoring for unusual console access patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and implementing secure credential management practices as outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar credential exposure issues within the broader infrastructure, and automated tools should be deployed to scan for cleartext credentials in configuration files and log outputs.