CVE-2017-10123 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Web Container). The supported version that is affected is 12.1.3.0. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with network access via HTTP to compromise Oracle WebLogic Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of Oracle WebLogic Server accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.3 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10123 affects Oracle WebLogic Server version 12.1.3.0 within the Web Container subcomponent of Oracle Fusion Middleware. This represents a significant security weakness that demonstrates the ongoing challenges organizations face in maintaining secure application server environments. The vulnerability resides in the web container component responsible for processing HTTP requests and managing web application deployments, making it a critical entry point for potential attackers targeting enterprise web infrastructure. The affected version specifically indicates that this flaw exists in a widely deployed middleware platform that serves as a foundation for numerous enterprise applications and services.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls within the Web Container component, allowing authenticated users with low privileges to execute unauthorized read operations against sensitive data within the WebLogic Server environment. This weakness operates at the application layer and requires minimal attack complexity, as indicated by the CVSS score of 4.3 with low attack complexity and low privileges required. The vulnerability's exploitability is further enhanced by the fact that it can be triggered through standard HTTP network connections, eliminating the need for specialized attack tools or privileged access within the target environment. The security flaw essentially creates a data leakage channel that bypasses normal access control mechanisms, allowing attackers to access data that should remain restricted to authorized users only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the confidentiality controls that organizations rely upon to protect sensitive information. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to a subset of WebLogic Server accessible data, potentially including configuration details, user credentials, application data, or other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks. The vulnerability's classification as a confidentiality impact issue means that while it does not directly enable system compromise or privilege escalation, it creates opportunities for attackers to gather intelligence about the target environment and potentially identify additional attack vectors. Organizations using this version of WebLogic Server face significant risk if this vulnerability remains unpatched, as it provides attackers with a method to systematically access sensitive data without requiring high-privilege accounts or complex attack techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10123 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Oracle, as this represents the most effective solution to address the underlying access control flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of WebLogic Server instances to only necessary network segments, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Additionally, monitoring and logging of HTTP requests to WebLogic Server components should be enhanced to detect anomalous access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege, which is fundamental to secure system design. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and data extraction, potentially enabling adversaries to move laterally within networks or establish persistence through the acquisition of sensitive information. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and provide additional layers of defense against this specific attack vector.