CVE-2020-2967 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, 12.2.1.4.0 and 14.1.1.0.0. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via IIOP, 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 3.1 Base Score 7.5 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2967 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server's Web Services component, affecting multiple version streams including 10.3.6.0.0, 12.1.3.0.0, 12.2.1.3.0, 12.2.1.4.0, and 14.1.1.0.0. This vulnerability operates at the network level and can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers who gain access through IIOP (Internet Inter-ORB Protocol) and T3 (WebLogic T3 Protocol) communication channels. The CVSS 3.1 scoring system rates this vulnerability at 7.5 out of 10, indicating a high severity level with significant confidentiality impacts. The vulnerability's exploitability is classified as easily accessible, meaning that attackers with minimal technical expertise and network connectivity can potentially compromise affected systems without requiring authentication credentials.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication mechanisms within the WebLogic Server's Web Services implementation. When the server processes requests through IIOP or T3 protocols, it fails to adequately validate incoming data, creating opportunities for malicious actors to inject unauthorized commands or access protected resources. The IIOP protocol, which facilitates communication between different object request brokers in distributed computing environments, and the T3 protocol, which provides a binary protocol for client-server communication with WebLogic Server, both present attack surfaces where this vulnerability manifests. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially execute arbitrary code or retrieve sensitive data from the server.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-2967 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the affected WebLogic Server instances. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability gain unauthorized access to critical data stored within the server, potentially including sensitive business information, user credentials, financial records, and proprietary intellectual property. The confidentiality impact is rated as high because the vulnerability allows attackers to access data without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on WebLogic Server for mission-critical applications. This vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor into enterprise environments where WebLogic Server serves as a foundational component for business applications, potentially enabling further lateral movement within network infrastructures and access to additional systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to IIOP and T3 ports, firewall configuration to block unauthorized network access, and application-level controls to limit exposure. The Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) classification for this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and CWE-312, which covers exposure of sensitive information. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocols and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers would likely first identify open ports before attempting exploitation. Oracle recommends applying the relevant security patches and updates as soon as possible, while organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious network activity on IIOP (port 14000) and T3 (port 7001) ports, which are commonly targeted by attackers exploiting this vulnerability.