CVE-2021-2302 in Platform Security for Java
Summary
by MITRE • 04/23/2021
Vulnerability in the Oracle Platform Security for Java product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: OPSS). Supported versions that are affected are 11.1.1.9.0, 12.2.1.3.0 and 12.2.1.4.0. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via HTTP to compromise Oracle Platform Security for Java. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Oracle Platform Security for Java. 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 • 04/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-2302 affects Oracle Platform Security for Java within the Oracle Fusion Middleware suite, representing a critical security weakness that exposes organizations to significant operational risks. This vulnerability exists within the OPSS component of Oracle Fusion Middleware and impacts specifically versions 11.1.1.9.0, 12.2.1.3.0, and 12.2.1.4.0, making it a widespread concern across multiple release lines. The CVSS score of 9.8 indicates a high severity level with maximum impacts across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains, reflecting the potential for complete system compromise.
The technical flaw resides in the insufficient authentication mechanisms within the Oracle Platform Security for Java implementation, allowing unauthenticated attackers to exploit this weakness through HTTP network connections without requiring any prior credentials or privileges. This vulnerability operates under CWE-287 which specifically addresses improper authentication issues, where the system fails to properly verify the identity of users attempting to access protected resources. The attack vector requires only network access via HTTP protocol, making exploitation relatively straightforward and accessible to threat actors without specialized tools or insider knowledge.
Operationally, successful exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to complete takeover of the Oracle Platform Security for Java component, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive enterprise data and system resources. The confidentiality impact is severe as attackers can potentially access protected information, while the integrity impact allows modification of critical system configurations and data. The availability impact threatens system stability and operational continuity, potentially causing service disruptions that could affect business operations. This vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a pathway to compromise the foundational security infrastructure of Oracle Fusion Middleware environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Oracle Critical Patch Updates to address the vulnerability, configuring network firewalls to restrict access to the affected OPSS component, and implementing network segmentation to limit exposure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers leverage publicly accessible services to gain initial access. Additional defensive measures should include monitoring network traffic for suspicious HTTP requests targeting the affected component, implementing intrusion detection systems, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and the dangers of exposing critical security infrastructure components directly to untrusted networks without proper access controls.