CVE-2021-2397 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2021
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Core). 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-2021-2397 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server, specifically within the Core component of Oracle Fusion Middleware. This vulnerability affects multiple version streams 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, indicating a widespread impact across the WebLogic Server product line. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable underscores its dangerous nature, as it requires no authentication credentials for successful exploitation, making it particularly attractive to malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to enterprise systems.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability lies within the T3 and IIOP protocol implementations within the WebLogic Server architecture. These protocols are commonly used for remote administration and communication between WebLogic Server instances and client applications. The flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to establish connections through these protocols and subsequently compromise the entire WebLogic Server instance. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the server's authentication and authorization mechanisms, enabling attackers to gain complete control over the affected system without requiring legitimate credentials or prior access rights.
From an operational perspective, the impact of successful exploitation is severe and comprehensive, affecting all three core security principles defined by the CVSS 3.1 framework. The confidentiality impact is rated as high, meaning attackers can potentially access sensitive data stored within or processed by the WebLogic Server. Integrity impacts are equally severe, as the vulnerability allows attackers to modify system configurations, application code, or data without detection. The availability impact is also high, potentially enabling attackers to disrupt services or cause complete system outages through various attack vectors. The CVSS base score of 9.8 places this vulnerability in the critical severity category, indicating that organizations must address this issue with immediate priority.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends across network boundaries, as the exploit requires only network access via T3 or IIOP protocols. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in network services, and T1071.004, which addresses application layer protocols. The vulnerability's presence in the Core component of WebLogic Server means that any application or service running on the affected server is potentially compromised, creating cascading security implications throughout the enterprise infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to WebLogic Server ports, disabling unnecessary protocols such as T3 and IIOP where possible, and applying Oracle's official security patches. The vulnerability's classification as CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) and its alignment with ATT&CK techniques emphasize the need for robust network security controls including firewall rules, intrusion detection systems, and comprehensive monitoring of network traffic on ports associated with T3 and IIOP protocols. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining exposure and ensure that all affected systems have been properly patched and secured against this critical vulnerability.