CVE-2003-1226 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
BEA WebLogic Server and Express 7.0 and 7.0.0.1 stores certain secrets concerning password encryption insecurely in config.xml, filerealm.properties, and weblogic-rar.xml, which allows local users to learn those secrets and decrypt passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1226 represents a critical security flaw in BEA WebLogic Server and Express versions 7.0 and 7.0.0.1 that fundamentally compromises the integrity of password encryption mechanisms. This weakness stems from the insecure storage of cryptographic secrets within configuration files that are accessible to local users, creating a significant attack surface that violates fundamental security principles of credential protection. The affected files include config.xml, filerealm.properties, and weblogic-rar.xml, which collectively contain sensitive information necessary for password decryption operations. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling, and represents a classic example of insecure storage of credentials in configuration files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the design flaw where encryption keys and password-related secrets are stored in plaintext or weakly encrypted formats within the application server configuration files. Local users with access to these configuration files can directly extract the cryptographic material needed to decrypt stored passwords, effectively bypassing the intended security controls. The flaw occurs because the system does not properly separate sensitive cryptographic data from the configuration files that are routinely accessible to system users. This vulnerability operates at the application level and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which specifically addresses the exploitation of credentials in files, and T1003.001, which covers credential dumping through file system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1226 extends far beyond simple credential exposure, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to multiple system components that rely on the compromised password storage mechanisms. When local users can extract these secrets, they can decrypt not only user passwords but also potentially administrative credentials, service account passwords, and other sensitive authentication data. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by malicious insiders or attackers who have gained local access to the system. The implications are particularly severe because WebLogic Server typically operates in enterprise environments where it manages critical business applications, making the compromise of stored credentials equivalent to gaining access to the entire application infrastructure. The vulnerability also affects the principle of least privilege, as it allows local users to access information they should not be permitted to obtain, violating fundamental security architecture principles.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to address the root cause of insecure credential storage. Organizations should implement proper encryption of configuration files using strong cryptographic algorithms and ensure that sensitive data is separated from configuration files through secure key management systems. The recommended approach involves migrating to encrypted storage solutions that utilize hardware security modules or secure key management services to protect cryptographic secrets. System administrators should also implement strict file access controls and privilege separation to limit local user access to sensitive configuration files. Additionally, regular security auditing of configuration files should be performed to detect any unauthorized modifications or exposure of sensitive data. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001, which emphasize the protection of sensitive information through proper access controls and encryption mechanisms. The remediation process should include comprehensive system hardening, regular vulnerability assessments, and implementation of centralized credential management systems that do not rely on local file storage for sensitive cryptographic information.