CVE-2005-1383 in Oracle
Summary
by MITRE
The OHS component 1.0.2 through 10.x, when UseWebcacheIP is disabled, in Oracle Application Server allows remote attackers to bypass HTTP Server mod_access restrictions via a request to the webcache TCP port 7778.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1383 affects Oracle Application Server OHS (Oracle HTTP Server) component versions 1.0.2 through 10.x when the UseWebcacheIP configuration setting is disabled. This represents a significant security flaw that undermines the intended access control mechanisms within the Oracle Application Server infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically targets the webcache functionality that operates on TCP port 7778, creating an unauthorized access pathway that bypasses existing HTTP Server mod_access restrictions. The flaw stems from improper handling of requests when the webcache IP usage is disabled, allowing malicious actors to circumvent the security controls designed to restrict access to certain resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a misconfiguration in the Oracle Application Server's webcache component where the system fails to properly validate incoming requests when the UseWebcacheIP parameter is set to false. When this setting is disabled, the webcache service continues to accept and process requests on port 7778 without adequate authentication or authorization checks that should normally be enforced by the mod_access module. This creates a scenario where remote attackers can directly interact with the webcache service bypassing the normal HTTP server access control mechanisms that would typically be in place. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor access point that allows unauthorized users to gain access to resources that should be protected by the existing mod_access restrictions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it allows remote attackers to bypass critical access controls that are fundamental to protecting sensitive web applications and data within Oracle Application Server environments. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to protected resources, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Oracle Application Server versions, making it particularly dangerous as it could impact numerous enterprise installations. Organizations relying on Oracle Application Server for their web applications face significant risk of unauthorized access to their web content, configuration files, and potentially sensitive business data.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checking within a web server component. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) as attackers can leverage the webcache service to bypass existing access controls. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be executed remotely without requiring any special tools beyond standard network reconnaissance and connection utilities. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including enabling proper access controls, disabling unnecessary services, and ensuring that the UseWebcacheIP parameter is properly configured according to security best practices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include disabling the webcache service when not required, properly configuring the UseWebcacheIP parameter to true, and implementing network segmentation to restrict access to port 7778. Security administrators should also review and tighten access controls on the Oracle Application Server installation, ensuring that mod_access restrictions are properly enforced and that unnecessary services are not exposed to external networks. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual access patterns to the webcache port and establish regular security assessments to identify similar configuration weaknesses. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security configuration management and demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration parameters can create significant security risks in enterprise web server environments.