CVE-2008-3257 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the Apache Connector (mod_wl) in Oracle WebLogic Server (formerly BEA WebLogic Server) 10.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP version string, as demonstrated by a string after "POST /.jsp" in an HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3257 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Apache Connector module of Oracle WebLogic Server versions 10.3 and earlier. This flaw exists in the mod_wl module which serves as a bridge between Apache web servers and WebLogic application servers, facilitating the handling of HTTP requests between these components. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing HTTP version strings that exceed the allocated buffer space, creating conditions where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted HTTP request containing an excessively long version string following the POST directive targeting a .jsp resource. This allows attackers to manipulate the program flow by overwriting return addresses and control data on the stack, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the WebLogic server process. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the HTTP protocol level, making it accessible through standard web traffic without requiring special authentication or privileged access. The buffer overflow vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on WebLogic Server deployments, as successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise. Attackers could gain unauthorized access to sensitive application data, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the server environment. The impact extends beyond individual server compromise to potentially affect entire application infrastructures, especially in environments where WebLogic servers serve as core components of enterprise applications. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly attractive for external threat actors.
The exploitation technique leverages the standard HTTP protocol behavior, making detection more challenging as malicious requests can appear legitimate to basic network monitoring tools. Security teams should implement comprehensive network traffic analysis to identify anomalous HTTP version strings and monitor for unusual patterns in web server communications. Mitigation strategies include applying the official Oracle security patches released for WebLogic Server versions 10.3 and earlier, implementing proper input validation at the network perimeter through web application firewalls, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar buffer handling vulnerabilities in custom modules. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to make exploitation more difficult. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for command and script injection, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system through the compromised WebLogic server.