CVE-2020-2828 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: WLS Web Services). The supported version that is affected is 10.3.6.0.0. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via T3 to compromise Oracle WebLogic Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to critical data or complete access to all Oracle WebLogic Server accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 7.5 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2828 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server's Web Services component, specifically affecting version 10.3.6.0.0 within the Fusion Middleware suite. This vulnerability exists within the WebLogic Server's T3 protocol implementation, which serves as a binary protocol for communication between WebLogic Server instances and clients. The T3 protocol has been widely used for administrative operations and remote management within WebLogic environments, making it a prime target for exploitation. The flaw resides in the server's handling of incoming T3 protocol requests without proper authentication mechanisms, creating an avenue for unauthorized access to sensitive server resources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication checks within the WebLogic Server's T3 service implementation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted T3 protocol packets to the target server without requiring any valid credentials or authentication tokens. The vulnerability operates at the network level, requiring only basic network connectivity to the WebLogic Server's T3 port, typically configured on port 7001 or other custom ports. The flaw allows attackers to establish connections and potentially execute arbitrary commands or access sensitive data through the WebLogic Server's administrative interfaces. This represents a classic case of insufficient authentication, categorized under CWE-287, which specifically addresses improper authentication mechanisms in software systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-2828 is severe and far-reaching for organizations running affected WebLogic Server instances. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the target server, enabling attackers to access all data accessible through the WebLogic Server, including sensitive business information, user credentials, and system configuration details. The vulnerability's CVSS score of 7.5 indicates high severity, with particular emphasis on confidentiality impacts, as attackers can gain unauthorized access to critical data without any authentication requirements. Organizations may face significant data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation means that attackers with basic network access can compromise systems without requiring advanced technical skills or privileged access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where WebLogic servers are exposed to untrusted networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate network-level protections and configuration hardening measures. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to WebLogic Server T3 ports, ensuring that only trusted administrative networks can reach these services. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling or removing the T3 protocol entirely from WebLogic Server configurations, as outlined in Oracle's security advisories. Additionally, implementing strict firewall rules to block external access to T3 ports, enabling SSL/TLS encryption for all administrative communications, and regularly updating WebLogic Server instances to patched versions are essential steps. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1105, which involves command and control communication over unencrypted protocols, making network monitoring and intrusion detection systems crucial for identifying potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing privileged access management solutions and regular security audits to detect and prevent unauthorized access to their WebLogic Server environments.