CVE-2017-10063 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Web Services). Supported versions that are affected are 10.3.6.0, 12.1.3.0, 12.2.1.1 and 12.2.1.2. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via HTTP to compromise Oracle WebLogic Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Oracle WebLogic Server accessible data and unauthorized ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of Oracle WebLogic Server. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.8 (Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10063 resides within Oracle WebLogic Server's Web Services subcomponent, representing a significant security weakness in Oracle Fusion Middleware that affects multiple version streams including 10.3.6.0, 12.1.3.0, 12.2.1.1, and 12.2.1.2. This flaw operates at the intersection of network-based attack vectors and application layer vulnerabilities, creating a pathway for adversaries to exploit the system without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack requires some technical sophistication, the low barrier to entry through network access makes it particularly concerning for enterprise environments that rely on WebLogic Server for critical business applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the Web Services functionality of WebLogic Server, allowing an unauthenticated attacker to send malicious HTTP requests that can manipulate the server's data integrity and availability. This weakness manifests through the server's handling of specific web service requests where proper sanitization of input parameters fails to prevent malicious payload injection. The vulnerability's CVSS 3.0 score of 4.8 reflects the balanced impact across integrity and availability domains, indicating that while the attacker cannot directly access sensitive data, they can modify existing data or perform partial denial of service operations that can significantly disrupt business operations. The attack vector requires network access via HTTP, making it accessible from external networks and highlighting the importance of proper network segmentation and firewall configurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation to encompass potential service disruption that can affect business continuity. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations against data accessible through the WebLogic Server, potentially compromising the integrity of critical business information. Additionally, the partial denial of service capability allows attackers to degrade system performance or availability, which can result in significant operational disruption for organizations relying on these services. The vulnerability's characteristics align with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1210, involving exploitation of remote services through web applications. Organizations running affected versions face increased risk of data corruption, service degradation, and potential cascading failures in interconnected systems that depend on WebLogic Server functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10063 should prioritize immediate patch management through Oracle's security updates, as the vulnerability affects multiple supported versions that require specific remediation procedures. Network-level defenses including firewall rules to restrict HTTP access to WebLogic Server components, implementation of web application firewalls, and proper network segmentation can provide additional protective layers. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous HTTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in related systems. The CVSS vector indicates that this vulnerability requires high attack complexity but can result in significant availability impact, making layered defense strategies essential for protecting against both current and potential future exploitation attempts that could leverage similar attack patterns.