CVE-2004-2320 in WebLogic
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of BEA WebLogic Server and Express 8.1 SP2 and earlier, 7.0 SP4 and earlier, 6.1 through SP6, and 5.1 through SP13 responds to the HTTP TRACE request, which can allow remote attackers to steal information using cross-site tracing (XST) attacks in applications that are vulnerable to cross-site scripting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2320 represents a critical security flaw in BEA WebLogic Server and Express versions up to specific service packs. This issue stems from the server's default configuration that accepts and processes HTTP TRACE requests, creating an exploitable condition that enables malicious actors to perform cross-site tracing attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects versions 8.1 SP2 and earlier, 7.0 SP4 and earlier, 6.1 through SP6, and 5.1 through SP13, indicating a widespread impact across multiple server versions and service pack releases.
The technical flaw exploited in this vulnerability lies in the server's handling of HTTP TRACE methods, which are typically used for debugging purposes to trace the path of a request through the server. When a web server responds to TRACE requests, it can inadvertently expose sensitive information through the response headers and body. In the context of WebLogic Server, this functionality creates a pathway for attackers to leverage cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in client applications. The vulnerability enables attackers to craft malicious TRACE requests that can reveal sensitive data such as authentication cookies, session tokens, and other confidential information that might be present in HTTP headers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a method to exploit existing cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications hosted on the affected servers. This creates a particularly dangerous scenario where the combination of the TRACE method vulnerability and existing XSS flaws can be leveraged to execute more sophisticated attacks. The cross-site tracing technique allows attackers to bypass certain security measures that might protect against traditional XSS attacks, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations with web applications that are already vulnerable to cross-site scripting.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations to address the security risk. The primary recommendation involves configuring the WebLogic Server to disable HTTP TRACE methods through proper server configuration settings. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and follows security best practices outlined in various industry standards including those referenced in the CWE database under CWE-1249 for improper handling of HTTP TRACE methods. Additionally, organizations should review their existing cross-site scripting protections and ensure that applications deployed on affected servers have proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms in place to prevent exploitation of the combined vulnerability.
The attack vector for this vulnerability typically involves sending specially crafted HTTP TRACE requests to the affected WebLogic server, which then responds with information that can be harvested by attackers. This technique can be particularly effective in environments where other security controls are insufficient or where applications are already vulnerable to cross-site scripting. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK framework techniques such as credential access and information gathering, as it enables attackers to extract sensitive information from server responses that might contain authentication tokens or other confidential data. Organizations should consider implementing network-level controls to block TRACE requests at the firewall or reverse proxy level as an additional defensive measure.
Mitigation strategies should include comprehensive server configuration reviews to ensure that HTTP TRACE methods are disabled by default in all affected versions. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify applications that might be vulnerable to cross-site scripting attacks and implement proper security controls such as content security policies, input sanitization, and output encoding to prevent exploitation of the combined vulnerabilities. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that servers are running the latest versions with appropriate security hardening measures in place. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper HTTP method handling in web servers and demonstrates how seemingly benign debugging features can become security risks when not properly configured.