CVE-2021-2047 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE • 01/20/2021
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Core Components). 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 takeover of Oracle WebLogic Server. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 9.8 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-2047 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server's Core Components, specifically affecting versions 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 weakness resides in the server's handling of IIOP (Internet Inter-ORB Protocol) and T3 (WebLogic T3 Protocol) communication channels, which are fundamental components for distributed object communication within the Oracle Fusion Middleware ecosystem. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring authentication or specialized privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where WebLogic servers often serve as critical infrastructure components for business applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication mechanisms within the WebLogic Server's protocol handlers. When the server processes incoming IIOP or T3 requests, it fails to properly validate the authenticity of the connecting client, allowing malicious actors to establish unauthorized connections and potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system. This flaw operates at the protocol level, bypassing traditional security controls and authentication mechanisms that would normally protect the server from unauthorized access. The vulnerability's CVSS score of 9.8 reflects the severe impact across all three core security principles, indicating that successful exploitation can result in complete compromise of the server's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector requiring only network access through IIOP or T3 protocols means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability from external networks without requiring any prior credentials or access rights.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-2047 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover and potential lateral movement within the enterprise network. Organizations running affected WebLogic Server versions face significant risks including data breaches, system corruption, and service disruption that can affect critical business applications. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution means that attackers can deploy malware, establish backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive information from the compromised servers. This threat is particularly concerning given that WebLogic Server often serves as a central hub for enterprise application integration, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain access to broader network resources. The vulnerability's exploitation can also result in denial of service conditions that may disrupt business operations and require significant recovery efforts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-2047 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with Oracle's security updates, as this represents the most effective defense against the vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to WebLogic Server instances, particularly disabling or blocking IIOP and T3 protocols at network boundaries when not strictly required for business operations. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect unusual traffic patterns associated with IIOP and T3 protocol usage, as these can serve as indicators of exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and privilege separation within the WebLogic environment can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for security teams implementing comprehensive threat detection and response strategies. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that all WebLogic Server installations remain protected against similar vulnerabilities and that security configurations are maintained according to industry best practices.