CVE-2020-14636 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Sample apps). Supported versions that are affected are 12.1.3.0.0, 12.2.1.3.0, 12.2.1.4.0 and 14.1.1.0.0. 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 3.1 Base Score 6.1 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/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 • 11/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-14636 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server's sample applications component, specifically affecting versions 12.1.3.0.0, 12.2.1.3.0, 12.2.1.4.0, and 14.1.1.0.0. This vulnerability resides within Oracle Fusion Middleware and demonstrates how seemingly benign sample applications can become entry points for sophisticated attacks. The flaw operates through the HTTP protocol, making it accessible to attackers who can reach the server over the network without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage automated tools to identify and exploit the flaw with minimal technical sophistication. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.1 reflects the moderate severity of the threat, with particular emphasis on confidentiality and integrity impacts that align with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues. This vulnerability particularly concerns security practitioners because it enables unauthorized modification of data within the WebLogic Server environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the sample applications framework. Attackers can leverage HTTP requests to perform unauthorized operations against the WebLogic Server, potentially gaining read access to sensitive data and the ability to modify data through update, insert, or delete operations. The requirement for human interaction suggests that while the initial exploitation may be automated, some form of user involvement is necessary to complete the attack chain, possibly through social engineering or targeted user actions. The impact extends beyond the immediate WebLogic Server environment, potentially affecting interconnected systems and applications that rely on the server's services. This cascading effect aligns with the ATT&CK framework's concept of lateral movement and privilege escalation, where initial access can be leveraged to compromise additional systems within the network infrastructure.
Organizations running affected WebLogic Server versions face significant operational risks from this vulnerability, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to critical business data and system configuration information. The potential for unauthorized data modification creates risks for data integrity and business continuity, while the read access capabilities could expose sensitive information to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability's network accessibility means that attackers can potentially exploit it from remote locations without requiring physical access to the server infrastructure. Security teams must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their enterprise security posture, particularly in environments where WebLogic Server serves as a core component of business-critical applications. The CVSS vector indicates that while the attack requires low complexity and no prior privileges, the impact on system integrity and confidentiality can be substantial, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Oracle's security patches and updates as released for this vulnerability, which would address the underlying access control flaws in the sample applications component. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to WebLogic Server instances, particularly those running vulnerable versions. Additional protective measures include implementing Web Application Firewalls to monitor and filter HTTP traffic, enabling comprehensive logging and monitoring of access patterns, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regularly reviewing user permissions to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security practices and highlights the risks associated with running outdated software components, particularly those that are accessible from external networks and contain sample applications that may be overlooked during security reviews.