CVE-2019-2646 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: EJB Container). Supported versions that are affected are 10.3.6.0.0, 12.1.3.0.0 and 12.2.1.3.0. 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 • 08/31/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2646 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server's EJB Container component, specifically affecting versions 10.3.6.0.0, 12.1.3.0.0, and 12.2.1.3.0 within the broader Fusion Middleware suite. This vulnerability operates at the network level and exploits the T3 protocol, which is Oracle's proprietary protocol used for communication between WebLogic Server instances and clients. The T3 protocol, while designed for efficient server communication, becomes a vector for exploitation when improperly secured or configured in production environments. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring specialized tools or extensive preparation, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where WebLogic servers are commonly deployed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication mechanisms within the EJB Container's processing of T3 protocol messages. Attackers can send maliciously crafted T3 protocol requests to the target WebLogic server without requiring authentication credentials, exploiting a fundamental weakness in the server's security model. This flaw allows for remote code execution capabilities, enabling attackers to gain complete control over the affected WebLogic server instance. The vulnerability's impact is severe across all three security dimensions as defined by CVSS 3.0 scoring, with high scores for confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The T3 protocol's default configuration often allows connections from any network location, creating an attack surface that can be exploited from external networks without requiring insider knowledge or credentials.
The operational implications of CVE-2019-2646 extend far beyond simple server compromise, potentially leading to complete system takeover and data breaches within enterprise environments. When exploited successfully, attackers can execute arbitrary code on the WebLogic server, potentially escalating privileges to system-level access and gaining access to sensitive enterprise data stored within or accessible through the server. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because WebLogic servers often serve as central points of integration for enterprise applications, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to larger network infrastructures. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1105 for Remote File Copy and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, enabling attackers to establish footholds and execute malicious payloads. Organizations running affected WebLogic versions face significant risk of data exfiltration, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within their networks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to WebLogic server T3 ports, disabling T3 protocol entirely where possible, and applying Oracle's official security patches released in January 2019. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing principle of least privilege for network services and the necessity of regular security assessments of middleware components. Security professionals should consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual T3 protocol traffic patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing WebLogic server compromises. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular assessment of third-party middleware components and their security posture. This flaw serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of running unsupported or unpatched software versions in production environments, as the vulnerability was classified under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation" and represents a classic example of how network protocols can become attack vectors when not properly secured.