CVE-2017-10178 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Web Container). Supported versions that are affected are 10.3.6.0, 12.1.3.0, 12.2.1.1 and 12.2.1.2. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via HTTP to compromise Oracle WebLogic Server. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Oracle WebLogic 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 WebLogic Server accessible data as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of Oracle WebLogic 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 • 01/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10178 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server's Web Container component, specifically affecting versions 10.3.6.0, 12.1.3.0, 12.2.1.1, and 12.2.1.2. This weakness resides in the Fusion Middleware suite and demonstrates how deeply embedded components can create significant attack surface areas. 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 servers are frequently exposed to external networks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to compromise Oracle WebLogic Server through HTTP network access, eliminating the need for valid credentials or prior system access. This characteristic aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and represents a classic example of insufficient authentication mechanisms. The attack vector requires only network connectivity, making it accessible to threat actors who may be scanning for vulnerable systems. The CVSS 3.0 score of 6.1 reflects the moderate severity of impact, though the combination of confidentiality and integrity implications creates substantial risk for organizations relying on these servers for business-critical applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond the immediate WebLogic Server component, as successful exploitation can result in unauthorized modifications to data through update, insert, or delete operations, while also enabling unauthorized read access to sensitive information. This dual impact on both data integrity and confidentiality creates significant risk for organizations handling sensitive data within their WebLogic environments. The requirement for human interaction from individuals other than the attacker suggests that social engineering or user-based exploitation methods may be involved, potentially making detection more challenging and increasing the attack surface through human factors.
Organizations must implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including immediate patching of affected versions, network segmentation to limit exposure, and enhanced monitoring of HTTP traffic for suspicious activities. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely align with techniques involving initial access through network services and privilege escalation through application-level exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and access controls to limit potential exploitation paths, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other components of their Oracle Fusion Middleware infrastructure.