CVE-2007-4615 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
The SSL client implementation in BEA WebLogic Server 7.0 SP7, 8.1 SP2 through SP6, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2 Gold through MP2, and 10.0 sometimes selects the null cipher when others are available, which might allow remote attackers to intercept communications.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4615 represents a critical weakness in the Secure Sockets Layer implementation within BEA WebLogic Server versions spanning multiple release lines including 7.0 SP7 through 10.0. This issue specifically affects the SSL client component's cipher selection algorithm, which when triggered incorrectly chooses the null cipher over available authenticated encryption options. The null cipher in cryptographic terms provides no encryption or authentication, effectively rendering secure communications vulnerable to interception and eavesdropping attacks. This vulnerability operates at the application layer of the OSI model and directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted through SSL connections.
The technical flaw manifests when the SSL client implementation encounters certain conditions during the handshake process where it fails to properly evaluate available cipher suites and instead selects the null cipher as the preferred option. This selection occurs despite the presence of stronger authenticated ciphers that should be prioritized for security. The null cipher, which is defined in the cryptographic standards and typically used for testing purposes only, provides no actual encryption, making it susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks and passive network monitoring. The vulnerability stems from improper cipher suite selection logic that fails to maintain proper security posture during SSL negotiation. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the cryptographic implementation that falls under CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak or broken cryptographic algorithms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond simple data interception, as it fundamentally undermines the security assurances that SSL/TLS protocols are designed to provide. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform passive eavesdropping on communications, potentially accessing sensitive information including authentication credentials, personal data, and business-critical information transmitted through the affected WebLogic server instances. The vulnerability affects organizations using BEA WebLogic Server in production environments where SSL connections are established, particularly impacting web applications that rely on secure communication channels for user authentication, financial transactions, or confidential data exchange. This weakness creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring elevated privileges or specialized access to the target systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official patches provided by Oracle, which acquired BEA Systems in 2008. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying the appropriate security patches to all affected WebLogic Server versions and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any systems that may still be exposed. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, while organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as SSL/TLS protocol enforcement and cipher suite hardening measures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving credential access and defense evasion, as it enables attackers to bypass encryption controls and potentially access sensitive information without detection. Regular security audits and proper configuration management practices should be enforced to prevent similar weaknesses in cryptographic implementations and maintain overall security posture.