CVE-2021-2382 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2021
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Security). 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 T3, IIOP 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 • 07/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-2382 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server, specifically within the Security component of Oracle Fusion Middleware. This vulnerability affects multiple supported versions 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, making it a widespread concern for organizations utilizing these server configurations. The flaw resides in the server's handling of network protocols and authentication mechanisms, creating a significant attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors without requiring any prior authentication credentials.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the T3 and IIOP protocols, which are commonly used for communication between WebLogic Server instances and client applications. These protocols are designed to facilitate remote method invocation and object request brokering within the Java EE ecosystem, but they have been found to contain implementation flaws that allow attackers to bypass authentication requirements entirely. The vulnerability's CVSS score of 9.8 indicates a high severity level with impacts spanning confidentiality, integrity, and availability, meaning that successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data and operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations as it allows unauthenticated attackers to gain complete control over affected WebLogic Server instances. The implications extend beyond simple data theft to include potential disruption of business operations, unauthorized system modifications, and the ability to establish persistent access points within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within networks where WebLogic servers are deployed, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these servers often serve as critical infrastructure components.
The attack vector for CVE-2021-2382 demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to initial access and privilege escalation techniques. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation and the fact that it requires no authentication credentials makes it particularly attractive to automated attack tools and threat actors seeking to compromise enterprise systems. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly when evaluating their network segmentation strategies and monitoring capabilities for unusual T3 and IIOP traffic patterns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of network-level restrictions to block T3 and IIOP traffic where not absolutely required, and enhanced monitoring of network protocols to detect anomalous communication patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to isolate WebLogic Server instances and deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should be addressed through comprehensive security reviews and regular vulnerability assessments. Organizations must prioritize this vulnerability remediation as part of their cybersecurity risk management processes to prevent potential exploitation and maintain the integrity of their enterprise infrastructure.