CVE-2021-2108 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE • 01/20/2021
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Core Components). The supported version that is affected is 12.1.3.0.0. 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-2021-2108 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server version 12.1.3.0.0, specifically within the Core Components module of Oracle Fusion Middleware. This weakness manifests as an easily exploitable vulnerability that enables unauthorized attackers to gain control over affected systems without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability's severity is reflected in its CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, which indicates high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments that rely on WebLogic Server for critical business applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through network-based attacks targeting the IIOP (Internet Inter-ORB Protocol) and T3 (WebLogic T3 Protocol) communication channels. These protocols are fundamental to WebLogic Server's operation, facilitating distributed object communication and management functions. Attackers can leverage these interfaces to execute malicious code against vulnerable servers, potentially gaining complete administrative control over the affected systems. The vulnerability's accessibility from external networks without authentication requirements significantly amplifies its threat potential, as it eliminates the need for initial access privileges that would typically be required for more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of successful exploitation extends beyond simple system compromise, potentially leading to complete server takeover and unauthorized access to sensitive enterprise data. Organizations running affected WebLogic Server versions face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's ability to affect all three core security principles simultaneously creates cascading effects that can compromise entire enterprise applications and databases hosted on the compromised servers. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations with extensive WebLogic Server deployments that serve as central components in their IT infrastructure.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to IIOP and T3 ports, deployment of firewalls to block external access to these protocols, and application of Oracle's official security patches. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques such as T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) when attackers leverage these protocols for initial access and command execution. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive network audits to identify all exposed WebLogic Server instances and implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts.