CVE-2006-2471 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple vulnerabilities in BEA WebLogic Server 8.1 through SP4, 7.0 through SP6, and 6.1 through SP7 leak sensitive information to remote attackers, including (1) DNS and IP addresses to address to T3 clients, (2) internal sensitive information using GetIORServlet, (3) certain "server details" in exceptions when invalid XML is provided, and (4) a stack trace in a SOAP fault.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2471 represents a significant information disclosure weakness affecting BEA WebLogic Server versions 8.1 through SP4, 7.0 through SP6, and 6.1 through SP7. This vulnerability exposes sensitive system information to remote attackers through multiple attack vectors that collectively undermine the security posture of affected systems. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the web server's response processing, creating opportunities for attackers to gather intelligence about internal network configurations and system internals.
The primary information disclosure occurs through DNS and IP address exposure to T3 clients, which are the native communication protocols used by WebLogic Server for client-server interactions. When the server processes requests from T3 clients, it inadvertently reveals internal network addressing information that attackers can leverage for further reconnaissance activities. This exposure violates fundamental security principles of network segmentation and internal address hiding, as outlined in the defense in depth framework. The vulnerability also affects the GetIORServlet component which provides internal sensitive information to unauthorized users, creating a direct pathway for attackers to access system internals without proper authentication.
Additional disclosure vectors include exception handling mechanisms that reveal server details when malformed XML is processed, and SOAP fault responses that contain complete stack traces. These error messages contain detailed technical information about the server configuration, software versions, and internal system structures that attackers can use to craft more sophisticated attacks. The stack trace information in SOAP faults particularly violates the principle of minimal information disclosure in security design, as it provides attackers with detailed insights into the application's internal architecture and potential attack surfaces. This type of information leakage is categorized under CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of system information through error messages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information gathering, as it enables attackers to perform advanced reconnaissance activities that could lead to more serious exploits. The leaked DNS and IP addresses allow for network mapping and service enumeration, while the server details in exception messages provide attackers with specific version information and configuration data. This intelligence can be used to identify known vulnerabilities specific to those versions, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1082, which focuses on system information discovery, and T1592, which addresses reconnaissance using multiple attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling practices throughout the WebLogic Server configuration. Organizations should disable unnecessary servlets like GetIORServlet when not required, implement proper access controls for administrative interfaces, and configure the server to suppress detailed error messages in production environments. The implementation of proper network segmentation and firewall rules can limit the exposure of internal addresses to external attackers. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that the server is running the latest secure versions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and proper error handling as outlined in OWASP secure coding guidelines, where the principle of least information disclosure is critical for maintaining system security posture.