CVE-2020-14637 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-2020-14637 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server's sample applications component, affecting multiple version streams including 12.1.3.0.0, 12.2.1.3.0, 12.2.1.4.0, and 14.1.1.0.0. This vulnerability operates within the broader context of enterprise middleware security where WebLogic Server serves as a foundational platform for deploying Java-based applications. The flaw specifically resides in the sample applications functionality that is typically included for demonstration purposes but remains accessible in production environments, creating an unexpected attack surface that adversaries can exploit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the sample applications module. Attackers can leverage this weakness through unauthenticated HTTP connections, requiring no prior credentials or privileged access to initiate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that the attack vector is straightforward and does not require sophisticated techniques or specialized tools. The CVSS score of 6.1 reflects the moderate severity impact, with confidentiality and integrity implications that can lead to unauthorized data manipulation and access. The vector analysis reveals that network-based attacks are possible with low access complexity and that user interaction is required from individuals other than the attacker, suggesting social engineering components may be necessary for successful exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond the immediate compromise of the WebLogic Server instance, potentially affecting interconnected systems and applications that depend on the server's functionality. This cascading effect aligns with the CVSS scoring that indicates a considerable impact on additional products, demonstrating how a single vulnerability can propagate throughout enterprise infrastructures. Successful exploitation grants attackers unauthorized capabilities to modify or delete data within the server's accessible data stores, while simultaneously enabling read access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence in sample applications creates a false sense of security since these components are often overlooked during security assessments and penetration testing phases.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies focusing on network segmentation and access control restrictions to limit exposure to this vulnerability. The recommended approach includes disabling or removing sample applications from production environments, implementing strict firewall rules to restrict HTTP access, and applying Oracle's security patches as soon as they become available. This vulnerability exemplifies the principle that development and demonstration components should never remain in production environments without proper security hardening measures. The attack surface reduction strategies should align with the ATT&CK framework's methodology for minimizing attack vectors and limiting lateral movement opportunities. Security teams must also consider this vulnerability's relationship to CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and ensure comprehensive monitoring for any suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.