CVE-2020-2547 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Console). Supported versions that are affected are 10.3.6.0.0, 12.1.3.0.0, 12.2.1.3.0 and 12.2.1.4.0. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows high privileged 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 3.0 Base Score 4.8 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2547 represents a significant security weakness within Oracle WebLogic Server's console component, specifically affecting versions 10.3.6.0.0, 12.1.3.0.0, 12.2.1.3.0, and 12.2.1.4.0. This flaw resides in the Fusion Middleware product suite and operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms. The vulnerability's exploitability is characterized as easily accessible, requiring only network connectivity via HTTP protocol, making it particularly dangerous for environments where the server is exposed to untrusted networks. The attack vector requires an attacker with high privileges to successfully exploit this weakness, though the impact extends beyond the immediate target system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls within the WebLogic Server console, creating opportunities for unauthorized data manipulation and information disclosure. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system assigns a base score of 4.8, reflecting moderate severity with specific impacts to both confidentiality and integrity aspects of the affected system. The attack requires human interaction from users other than the attacker, indicating that social engineering or user compromise may be necessary components of successful exploitation. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the category of user-interaction dependent attacks, which can complicate defense strategies since they often involve human factors beyond traditional technical controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-2547 manifests through unauthorized modification and deletion capabilities against data accessible through the WebLogic Server console, alongside unauthorized read access to sensitive information. These capabilities enable attackers to potentially alter critical system configurations, manipulate business data, or extract confidential information from the server environment. The vulnerability's classification as affecting a subset of accessible data rather than all system data suggests that proper access controls and data segregation practices may provide some mitigation, though the potential for significant operational disruption remains high. The CVSS vector analysis indicates that while the attack requires high privileges and user interaction, the potential for substantial impact on system integrity and confidentiality makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Oracle Critical Patch Updates, which address this specific vulnerability through proper access control enforcement. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be strengthened to limit access to the WebLogic Server console, particularly restricting HTTP access to trusted administrative networks. Additional defensive measures include implementing robust user access controls, regularly monitoring console access logs, and conducting security awareness training to prevent social engineering attacks that may be required for successful exploitation. The vulnerability's potential to impact additional products through cascading effects underscores the importance of comprehensive security assessments and the need for coordinated patch management across all Oracle Fusion Middleware components. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual console access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.