CVE-2021-2403 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 HTTP to compromise Oracle WebLogic Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of Oracle WebLogic Server accessible data. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 5.3 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-2403 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server's Core component, 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 weakness falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms within software systems. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring specialized skills or privileged access, making it particularly dangerous for organizations running affected WebLogic Server installations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls within the WebLogic Server's HTTP handling mechanisms, allowing unauthenticated attackers to perform unauthorized read operations against sensitive data within the server's accessible resources. The CVSS 3.1 scoring system assigns a base score of 5.3, reflecting moderate confidentiality impact with no integrity or availability implications. This assessment places the vulnerability in the low to medium severity range, yet its network-accessible nature and lack of authentication requirements create significant operational risks for enterprise environments where WebLogic Server serves as a critical backend component for business applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it enables attackers to potentially access sensitive configuration files, application data, and other resources that may contain proprietary information or business-critical data. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that organizations cannot rely on standard network segmentation or authentication controls to prevent exploitation, creating a scenario where any system with exposed WebLogic Server instances becomes immediately vulnerable. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol usage for data exfiltration, and T1210, involving exploitation of remote services through network-based attacks.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through Oracle's security patches and updates, particularly focusing on upgrading to supported versions that address this specific access control weakness. Network segmentation strategies should be implemented to limit direct exposure of WebLogic Server instances to untrusted networks, while firewall rules should restrict HTTP access to only necessary administrative and operational personnel. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious HTTP requests, conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify potentially exposed instances, and establishing continuous monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly attractive to automated scanning tools and threat actors seeking to exploit widely deployed enterprise applications, emphasizing the urgency of implementing comprehensive security controls across all affected systems.