CVE-2017-10055 in iPlanet Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Oracle iPlanet Web Server component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Admin Graphical User Interface). The supported version that is affected is 7.0. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via HTTP to compromise Oracle iPlanet Web Server. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Oracle iPlanet Web Server, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Oracle iPlanet Web Server accessible data as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of Oracle iPlanet Web Server accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 6.1 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10055 resides within Oracle iPlanet Web Server version 7.0, specifically within its Admin Graphical User Interface subcomponent of Oracle Fusion Middleware. This represents a critical security weakness that fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the web server's administrative functions. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring specialized skills or extensive preparation, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where such systems are often exposed to the internet. The affected component serves as the primary interface for administrators to configure and manage the web server, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to critical system functions.
The technical flaw manifests through an authentication bypass mechanism that allows unauthenticated attackers to access the administrative interface via standard HTTP connections. This vulnerability operates at the network level with a CVSS 3.0 base score of 6.1, reflecting moderate severity but significant impact potential. The attack vector requires network access via HTTP, meaning that any system with exposed ports can potentially be targeted, and the low attack complexity (AC:L) indicates that exploitation does not require specialized tools or extensive technical knowledge. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond the immediate web server, as successful exploitation can compromise additional Oracle Fusion Middleware products that may be integrated with the vulnerable system, creating cascading security risks throughout the enterprise infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized operations within the web server environment. Specifically, successful exploitation allows for unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations against data accessible through the web server, while also providing read access to sensitive information. This dual capability of both modifying and accessing data creates a comprehensive threat model where attackers can not only steal information but also corrupt or destroy system configurations. The requirement for human interaction from someone other than the attacker suggests that social engineering or targeted phishing campaigns may be necessary to trigger the vulnerability, though the underlying flaw itself remains exploitable without authentication credentials. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1212, focusing on exploitation of remote services through unauthenticated access points.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10055 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Oracle, as the vulnerability affects a specific version of the software that has been addressed through official security updates. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the web server's administrative ports, limiting exposure to only trusted networks and IP addresses. Additional protective measures include implementing strong access controls, monitoring for unusual administrative access patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of the web server configuration. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary administrative interfaces when not actively required for system management, as this reduces the attack surface available to potential adversaries. The vulnerability's classification under CVSS 3.0's confidentiality and integrity impact scores indicates that organizations must implement robust data protection measures and maintain detailed audit logs of administrative activities to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts effectively.