CVE-2005-4752 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
BEA WebLogic Server and WebLogic Express 8.1 SP4 and earlier, and 7.0 SP6 and earlier, might allow local users to gain privileges by using the run-as deployment descriptor element to change the privileges of a web application or EJB from the Deployer security role to the Admin security role.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2019
This vulnerability exists in BEA WebLogic Server and WebLogic Express versions 8.1 SP4 and earlier, as well as 7.0 SP6 and earlier, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that directly impacts the security model of these application servers. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of the run-as deployment descriptor element, which is designed to allow web applications and EJBs to execute with specific security credentials. When exploited, this flaw enables local attackers to manipulate the security context of deployed applications, effectively elevating their privileges from the Deployer role to the Admin role. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local system access, making it accessible to users who may already have limited privileges within the system environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of security descriptors within the deployment configuration files of web applications and enterprise java beans. When the run-as element is improperly processed, it allows an attacker to specify elevated security credentials that override the default deployment permissions. This creates a scenario where a user with Deployer privileges can effectively assume administrative capabilities, bypassing the normal security boundaries that should separate different privilege levels. The vulnerability specifically affects the security role mapping functionality within the application server, which is designed to enforce proper access controls and privilege separation. This flaw represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate security context management within the WebLogic security framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with administrative access to the entire application server environment. Once exploited, an attacker with local access can gain complete control over deployed applications, modify security configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially compromise the entire system infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only individual applications but also the underlying application server itself, creating a potential attack surface that could be leveraged for further exploitation. Organizations using affected versions of WebLogic Server face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and system compromise, particularly in environments where local access is not strictly controlled. The impact extends beyond immediate privilege escalation to include potential lateral movement within the network and access to additional system resources that are typically protected by proper security boundaries.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper privilege management, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns found in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques. Organizations should immediately implement security patches provided by BEA to address this vulnerability, while also reviewing their local access controls and privilege management policies. Additional mitigations include restricting local system access, implementing proper security monitoring, and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the application server environment. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper security context management in enterprise application servers and underscores the need for regular security assessments and patch management processes to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.