CVE-2015-4852 in StorageTek Tape Analytics SW Tool
Summary
by MITRE
The WLS Security component in Oracle WebLogic Server 10.3.6.0, 12.1.2.0, 12.1.3.0, and 12.2.1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted serialized Java object in T3 protocol traffic to TCP port 7001, related to oracle_common/modules/com.bea.core.apache.commons.collections.jar. NOTE: the scope of this CVE is limited to the WebLogic Server product.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4852 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server's WLS Security component. This vulnerability specifically affects multiple versions including 10.3.6.0, 12.1.2.0, 12.1.3.0, and 12.2.1.0, making it a widespread concern for organizations utilizing this enterprise application server. The attack vector leverages the T3 protocol, a proprietary communication protocol used by WebLogic Server for client-server communication, which operates on TCP port 7001. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of serialized Java objects within the T3 protocol traffic, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to inject malicious payloads that can be executed within the server's runtime environment.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper handling of serialized objects in the oracle_common/modules/com.bea.core.apache.commons.collections.jar library, which is part of the WebLogic Server's core components. This library contains utility classes for working with collections in Java, but when processing serialized objects through the T3 protocol, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the incoming data. Attackers can craft malicious serialized Java objects that, when deserialized by the vulnerable WebLogic Server, trigger arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-502, which specifically addresses "Deserialization of Untrusted Data," making it a classic example of insecure deserialization that enables remote code execution through object deserialization attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4852 is severe and potentially devastating for affected organizations. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain complete control over the vulnerable WebLogic Server instance, enabling them to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the server process. This can lead to data breaches, system compromise, lateral movement within network infrastructure, and potential escalation to other systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it an ideal target for automated attacks and mass exploitation campaigns. Organizations running WebLogic Server on exposed ports are at significant risk, as the T3 protocol is commonly used for legitimate administrative purposes, making the attack surface more accessible to threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4852 should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions with Oracle's security updates, which address the deserialization vulnerability in the affected libraries. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to TCP port 7001, limiting exposure to trusted networks only, and consider disabling the T3 protocol entirely if it is not required for legitimate operations. Additional defensive measures include implementing network firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and monitoring for unusual T3 protocol traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, emphasizing the need for comprehensive network security controls and regular vulnerability assessments. Organizations should also consider implementing application-level controls to validate serialized object inputs and employ sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts.