CVE-2018-2893 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: WLS Core Components). Supported versions that are affected are 10.3.6.0, 12.1.3.0, 12.2.1.2 and 12.2.1.3. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via T3 to compromise Oracle WebLogic Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Oracle WebLogic Server. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 9.8 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2893 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server's T3 protocol implementation, specifically affecting the WLS Core Components subcomponent. This vulnerability resides in the Oracle Fusion Middleware ecosystem and impacts multiple version lines including 10.3.6.0, 12.1.3.0, 12.2.1.2, and 12.2.1.3, making it a widespread concern for organizations utilizing these server configurations. The T3 protocol, which is used for communication between WebLogic Server instances and clients, has been compromised in such a way that it allows unauthorized access without requiring authentication credentials.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the T3 protocol handler, creating an attack surface that enables remote code execution through unauthenticated network connections. The flaw specifically affects the deserialization process of T3 messages, where maliciously crafted payloads can be executed within the context of the WebLogic Server process. This vulnerability operates at the network level with a CVSS base score of 9.8, indicating high severity across all impact vectors including confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack requires only network access via the T3 protocol without any authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation results in complete system takeover of the affected WebLogic Server instance. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains full administrative control over the server, enabling them to execute arbitrary code, modify or delete data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. This represents a significant threat to enterprise security as WebLogic Server typically hosts critical business applications and services, making the compromise of such systems particularly damaging to organizational operations and data security.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to T3 protocol ports, firewall configuration to block T3 traffic from untrusted networks, and application-level controls to disable unnecessary T3 protocol usage. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which describes deserialization of untrusted data as a common weakness in software security implementations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1071.004 for application layer protocols, representing a sophisticated attack vector that leverages protocol-level weaknesses to achieve system compromise. Patch management should be prioritized with immediate deployment of Oracle's security patches, while organizations should also conduct comprehensive network audits to identify and remediate any unnecessary T3 protocol exposure.