CVE-2007-0415 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
BEA WebLogic Server 8.1 through 8.1 SP5 does not properly enforce access control after a dynamic update and dynamic redeployment of an application that is implemented through exploded jars, which allows attackers to bypass intended access restrictions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2019
BEA WebLogic Server versions 8.1 through 8.1 Service Pack 5 contain a critical access control vulnerability that arises during dynamic application updates and redeployments. This flaw specifically affects applications deployed as exploded jars where the server fails to properly validate access permissions after modifications occur. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that should ensure security boundaries remain intact during runtime application modifications. When an application undergoes dynamic updates or redeployment processes, the server maintains the previous access control context rather than establishing fresh security checks, creating a persistent security gap. This issue directly relates to CWE-284 which addresses improper access control and specifically targets the weakness where security controls are not properly enforced during application lifecycle operations. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor that allows unauthorized users to maintain elevated privileges or access restricted resources even after legitimate application updates have occurred.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the server's failure to properly reset or revalidate security contexts when processing dynamic updates to exploded jar applications. During normal operation, WebLogic Server should enforce strict access control policies that are re-evaluated during each security-sensitive operation. However, when applications are dynamically updated through exploded jar deployment mechanisms, the server does not properly invalidate existing security sessions or re-authenticate users. This creates a scenario where attackers can leverage the existing session context to bypass intended access restrictions that were properly enforced before the dynamic update occurred. The flaw specifically manifests during the redeployment phase when the server maintains the previous application's security context rather than establishing new access controls for the updated application version. This behavior represents a fundamental failure in the server's security model to properly handle application lifecycle transitions, particularly those involving dynamic modifications to deployed components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential data breaches and system compromise. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can maintain unauthorized access to restricted application functionality, sensitive data, and system resources throughout the application lifecycle. The persistent nature of the flaw means that once exploited, the security bypass remains effective until the server is restarted or the vulnerable application is completely removed and redeployed. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where applications undergo frequent updates and redeployments as part of normal operations. The vulnerability particularly affects environments that utilize dynamic deployment strategies or automated application management systems that frequently update applications. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, potential system compromise, and violations of security policies that govern access control and application lifecycle management. The impact is amplified in environments where WebLogic Server serves as a critical application platform for enterprise applications that handle sensitive data or provide privileged access to critical systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling dynamic deployment features for applications that require strict access controls, implementing additional monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, and ensuring proper application lifecycle management procedures are in place. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling dynamic redeployment capabilities for critical applications or ensuring that access control policies are properly enforced during all application update operations. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation, enhanced logging, and regular security audits to detect potential exploitation attempts. Long-term solutions should focus on upgrading to patched versions of WebLogic Server or implementing compensating controls that enforce proper access validation during application updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security design during application lifecycle management operations and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing that includes dynamic deployment scenarios. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege and ensuring that security controls are properly validated during all phases of application lifecycle management. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining security boundaries during system operations and the necessity of proper validation of access controls during dynamic application modifications.
The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through legitimate system access. It also relates to T1566 which covers credential harvesting and T1068 which involves local privilege escalation. The persistence aspect of this vulnerability means that attackers can maintain access across multiple application updates, making it particularly dangerous for long-running applications. Organizations should also consider implementing proper application security testing that includes dynamic deployment scenarios and ensure that security controls are properly validated during all application lifecycle operations. This vulnerability underscores the importance of comprehensive security testing and the need for security controls to be validated during all phases of application lifecycle management, particularly during dynamic update and redeployment operations.