CVE-2016-3505 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server component in Oracle Fusion Middleware 10.3.6.0, 12.1.3.0, and 12.2.1.0 allows remote authenticated users to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via vectors related to JavaServer Faces.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3505 resides within Oracle WebLogic Server component of the Oracle Fusion Middleware suite affecting versions 10.3.6.0, 12.1.3.0, and 12.2.1.0. This issue represents a significant security weakness that enables remote authenticated attackers to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems through JavaServer Faces related attack vectors. The vulnerability falls under the category of unspecified weakness but demonstrates the critical nature of middleware components in enterprise environments where they serve as foundational infrastructure for business applications.
The technical flaw manifests within the JavaServer Faces implementation of Oracle WebLogic Server, which is a standard web framework for building user interfaces in Java applications. Attackers with valid authentication credentials can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, manipulate data, or disrupt service availability. The attack surface is particularly concerning because JavaServer Faces components are commonly used in enterprise web applications, making this vulnerability potentially widespread across organizations that utilize Oracle Fusion Middleware. This weakness enables attackers to perform privilege escalation and gain deeper access to sensitive system resources.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations relying on Oracle WebLogic Server as their primary application server. The ability to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability simultaneously means that attackers can potentially steal sensitive data, modify critical business information, and cause service disruptions that could result in significant financial and reputational damage. The remote nature of the attack vector means that exploitation can occur from external networks without requiring physical access to the target environment, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed web services.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Oracle's security patches and updates specifically designed to address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns or suspicious activities related to JavaServer Faces components. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and may be exploited through techniques consistent with attack patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and persistence tactics. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the broader application stack and ensure comprehensive protection against similar threats.