CVE-2017-3506 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, 12.2.1.0, 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 creation, deletion or modification access to critical data or all Oracle WebLogic Server accessible data as well as unauthorized access to critical data or complete access to all Oracle WebLogic Server accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 7.4 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3506 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server's Web Services subcomponent, affecting multiple versions including 10.3.6.0, 12.1.3.0, 12.2.1.0, 12.2.1.1, and 12.2.1.2. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms. The flaw exists within the server's handling of web service requests and demonstrates a significant weakness in the authentication and authorization processes that govern access to critical system resources. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit yet still presenting substantial risk highlights the complexity of the underlying flaw while emphasizing its potential for serious impact when successfully leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to exploit network-based HTTP connections to compromise the target Oracle WebLogic Server instance. This represents a particularly concerning weakness because it eliminates the requirement for valid credentials or prior access privileges, making the attack surface significantly broader than typical authentication bypass vulnerabilities. The flaw enables attackers to achieve unauthorized creation, deletion, or modification access to critical data within the server environment, effectively granting them administrative-level capabilities over the targeted system's data repositories. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 7.4 reflects the high severity of both confidentiality and integrity impacts, indicating that successful exploitation could result in complete data compromise or manipulation across all accessible data within the WebLogic Server environment.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations utilizing Oracle WebLogic Server in production environments, particularly those with exposed HTTP services or internet-facing web applications. The potential for unauthorized access to critical data combined with the ability to modify or delete data creates a scenario where business continuity and data integrity could be severely compromised. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as attackers could potentially disrupt services by deleting critical system files or modifying configuration parameters that govern server behavior. Organizations with extensive WebLogic Server deployments may find their entire infrastructure at risk, as the vulnerability could serve as a foothold for further attacks within network environments where these servers operate.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3506 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with Oracle's security updates, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation of the vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict HTTP access to WebLogic Server instances where possible, particularly for systems that do not require direct internet access. Organizations should also implement robust monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts or unusual data modification patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol: web protocols, and T1068, which addresses exploit for privilege escalation, making comprehensive security monitoring essential for early detection and response. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regularly reviewing access permissions can help minimize the potential impact should exploitation occur, while maintaining proper backup and recovery procedures ensures business continuity in the event of successful compromise.