CVE-2020-2530 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Oracle HTTP Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Web Listener). Supported versions that are affected are 11.1.1.9.0, 12.1.3.0.0 and 12.2.1.3.0. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via HTTP to compromise Oracle HTTP Server. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Oracle HTTP 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 HTTP Server accessible data as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of Oracle HTTP Server accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 6.1 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/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 • 03/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2530 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle HTTP Server's Web Listener component, affecting multiple versions including 11.1.1.9.0, 12.1.3.0.0, and 12.2.1.3.0 within the broader Oracle Fusion Middleware ecosystem. This vulnerability operates at the network level and presents an easily exploitable threat that does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed HTTP server instances. The security implications extend beyond the immediate Oracle HTTP Server component, as successful exploitation can potentially impact additional Oracle products within the same environment, creating cascading security risks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the Web Listener functionality, which allows malicious actors to craft specific HTTP requests that can manipulate the server's behavior. The CVSS 3.0 score of 6.1 indicates a moderate to high severity threat with a base score that reflects the combination of confidentiality and integrity impacts. The attack vector requires network access via HTTP, meaning that systems exposed to external networks are particularly at risk. The vulnerability's classification as requiring human interaction suggests that while the initial attack may be automated, some form of user involvement or system interaction is necessary for complete exploitation, potentially through social engineering or targeted phishing campaigns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability manifests in several critical areas including unauthorized data modification and access capabilities. Attackers can potentially perform unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations against data accessible through the Oracle HTTP Server, while also gaining unauthorized read access to sensitive information within the server's accessible data scope. This dual impact on both data integrity and confidentiality creates significant risk for organizations relying on Oracle HTTP Server for mission-critical applications. The CVSS vector specifically indicates that the attack requires low complexity access conditions, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability with minimal technical expertise, and the scope of impact can be constrained, suggesting that the vulnerability may affect additional products beyond the immediate target.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to Oracle HTTP Server instances, deployment of web application firewalls to monitor and filter HTTP traffic, and application of Oracle's security patches as soon as they become available. The vulnerability's characteristics align with CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation," and falls within the ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for "Exploit Public-Facing Application." Security teams should also conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify all exposed Oracle HTTP Server instances and implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous HTTP traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The requirement for human interaction, while reducing automatic exploitability, does not eliminate the threat entirely, making comprehensive security awareness training essential for personnel who may inadvertently assist in exploitation through social engineering attacks.