CVE-2017-3247 in GlassFish Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Oracle GlassFish Server component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Core). Supported versions that are affected are 2.1.1, 3.0.1 and 3.1.2. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via SMTP to compromise Oracle GlassFish Server. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Oracle GlassFish Server accessible data. CVSS v3.0 Base Score 4.3 (Integrity impacts).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3247 resides within Oracle GlassFish Server, specifically in the Core subcomponent of Oracle Fusion Middleware. This security flaw affects versions 2.1.1, 3.0.1, and 3.1.2, representing a significant risk to organizations utilizing these server configurations. The vulnerability operates through the SMTP protocol interface, creating an attack vector that allows unauthenticated remote exploitation. According to the CVSS v3.0 scoring system, this vulnerability carries a base score of 4.3, which classifies it as having moderate severity with primary impact focused on data integrity. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring extensive technical expertise or specialized tools, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where such servers may be exposed to external networks.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of SMTP protocol communications within the GlassFish Server implementation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted SMTP messages to the target server, potentially gaining unauthorized access to modify or delete data within the server's accessible data stores. The requirement for human interaction from someone other than the attacker suggests that while the initial exploitation may be automated, some form of user involvement or system interaction is necessary for the complete compromise to occur. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the context of social engineering attacks where the attacker might need to manipulate legitimate users into performing actions that facilitate the exploitation process. The vulnerability specifically impacts the integrity of data within the server, allowing unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations against data that the server has access to, without requiring authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or loss, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the affected environment. Organizations running these vulnerable versions of GlassFish Server face risks including unauthorized modification of critical application data, potential data exfiltration, and possible disruption of services. The vulnerability's network-based attack surface means that systems exposed to the internet or untrusted networks are particularly at risk, as attackers can leverage the SMTP interface without prior authentication. This creates a scenario where even basic network scanning or probing could reveal vulnerable systems that attackers might target. The integrity-focused impact aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and could potentially map to ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and data manipulation. Organizations may experience cascading effects where initial unauthorized modifications to configuration data or application data can lead to more severe operational disruptions or security breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3247 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Oracle GlassFish Server versions to the latest security updates provided by Oracle. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to SMTP ports on GlassFish servers, particularly when these servers are not required to function as SMTP servers. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary SMTP functionality or implementing additional authentication mechanisms for SMTP interfaces. Monitoring and logging of SMTP traffic should be enhanced to detect anomalous patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of network intrusion detection systems can help identify and alert on suspicious SMTP communications that might be attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potentially vulnerable components within the Oracle Fusion Middleware stack that might share similar weaknesses. Organizations should also review their user access controls and ensure that only authorized personnel have the ability to perform administrative functions that might be leveraged by attackers to complete exploitation. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches in non-production environments before deployment to ensure that updates do not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications or services.