CVE-2021-2075 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE • 01/20/2021
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Samples). 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-2021-2075 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server's sample components, specifically affecting multiple version branches 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 resides within the Fusion Middleware product suite and operates through the IIOP (Internet Inter-ORB Protocol) and T3 (WebLogic T3 Protocol) communication channels, making it particularly dangerous as it allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit the system remotely. The CVSS 3.1 scoring system assigns this vulnerability a base score of 9.8, indicating a high severity level that encompasses significant impacts to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability's exploitability is classified as easily accessible, requiring only network access without any authentication requirements, which dramatically increases the attack surface and potential for widespread compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication mechanisms within the sample components of WebLogic Server, particularly when processing requests through IIOP and T3 protocols. These protocols are fundamental communication channels used by WebLogic Server for inter-process communication and remote procedure calls, making them prime targets for exploitation. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to modify system configurations, escalate privileges, or even establish persistent backdoors within the organization's infrastructure. This flaw essentially provides a pathway for attackers to gain full control over the affected WebLogic Server instances, making it a highly prized target for both automated exploits and targeted cyber operations.
The operational implications of CVE-2021-2075 are severe and far-reaching for organizations relying on Oracle WebLogic Server deployments. Successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover, allowing attackers to access sensitive data, modify critical applications, and potentially use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's ability to operate through unauthenticated access means that organizations may be compromised without any detection, as there are no authentication barriers preventing the exploitation. This situation creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where WebLogic servers often host mission-critical applications and sensitive business data. Organizations may experience service disruptions, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in sectors governed by strict data protection regulations such as financial services, healthcare, or government agencies.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as Oracle has released security updates addressing this specific flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to IIOP and T3 ports, effectively blocking unauthorized communication channels. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by disabling unnecessary sample components and services that are not actively required. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual network traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts on the vulnerable protocols. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems within their environment, as this vulnerability may indicate broader security weaknesses in the organization's overall security posture. 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 critical concern for cybersecurity teams implementing defensive strategies against advanced persistent threats.