CVE-2020-2963 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Web Services). 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 T3 to compromise Oracle WebLogic Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Oracle WebLogic Server. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 7.2 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2963 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server's Web Services component, specifically affecting multiple version streams including 10.3.6.0.0, 12.1.3.0.0, 12.2.1.3.0, and 12.2.1.4.0. This vulnerability operates within the context of Oracle Fusion Middleware and demonstrates characteristics that align with CWE-287, which addresses authentication issues in software systems. The flaw enables exploitation through the T3 protocol, a proprietary communication protocol used by WebLogic Server for internal and external communications, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with network-level access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms within the Web Services component, allowing a high-privileged attacker to bypass normal security controls. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 7.2 reflects the severity with which this flaw should be addressed, indicating high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains. The attack vector requires network access via T3 protocol, which typically operates on port 7001 by default, making it accessible to attackers who can reach the server through network exposure. This vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in network services, and specifically relates to the T1071.004 sub-technique for application layer protocol usage.
The operational impact of successful exploitation can result in complete compromise of the Oracle WebLogic Server instance, providing attackers with full control over the affected system. This level of compromise enables unauthorized access to sensitive data, potential lateral movement within network environments, and the ability to establish persistent access points. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable means that sophisticated attack techniques are not required, making it particularly dangerous in environments where WebLogic Server is exposed to untrusted networks. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as Oracle has released security updates addressing this vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to T3 protocol ports, particularly when the protocol is not required for legitimate operations. Additional protective measures include disabling T3 protocol entirely where possible, implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous T3 traffic patterns, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all WebLogic Server instances. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, while ensuring that authentication mechanisms are properly configured and that access controls are appropriately enforced. The vulnerability's impact across multiple versions emphasizes the importance of comprehensive vulnerability management programs that can quickly identify and remediate affected systems across the entire enterprise infrastructure.