CVE-2004-0712 in WebLogic
Summary
by MITRE
The configuration tools (1) config.sh in Unix or (2) config.cmd in Windows for BEA WebLogic Server 8.1 through SP2 create a log file that contains the administrative username and password in cleartext, which could allow local users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0712 represents a critical security flaw in BEA WebLogic Server versions 8.1 through Service Pack 2, specifically within the server configuration utilities. This issue stems from the improper handling of sensitive authentication credentials during the server setup process, creating a persistent security risk that could be exploited by local attackers with system access. The configuration tools config.sh for unix environments and config.cmd for windows platforms both exhibit this vulnerability by generating log files that contain administrative credentials in plaintext format, violating fundamental security principles for credential storage and handling.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the server installation and configuration phases when the administrative user provides their username and password for the WebLogic Server administration console. The configuration utilities fail to properly sanitize or encrypt these credentials before writing them to log files, resulting in cleartext exposure of privileged authentication information. This flaw directly maps to CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials), as it stores sensitive data in an easily readable format without adequate protection mechanisms. The plaintext logging of administrative credentials creates an immediate privilege escalation vector for local attackers who can access these log files, potentially allowing them to gain full administrative control over the WebLogic Server instance.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized administrative actions including but not limited to modifying server configurations, deploying malicious applications, accessing sensitive data stores, and establishing persistent backdoors within the application server environment. Local users who gain access to these log files can leverage the extracted credentials to perform privilege escalation attacks, potentially compromising the entire application server infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using BEA WebLogic Server 8.1 through SP2, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of this application server platform in enterprise environments. This issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 (Phishing for Information) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as attackers can exploit the exposed credentials to establish legitimate administrative access to the system.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement several mitigations to address the security risk. The primary remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of BEA WebLogic Server that properly handles administrative credentials during configuration processes. System administrators should also implement strict file access controls on log directories and configuration files, ensuring that only authorized administrative users can access these sensitive files. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of their WebLogic Server installations to identify and remove any existing log files containing cleartext credentials. The implementation of proper credential management practices, including the use of encrypted configuration files and secure logging mechanisms, should be enforced across all application server environments. Regular security assessments and monitoring of system access logs can help detect potential exploitation attempts of this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing privileged access management solutions to control and monitor administrative access to critical systems.