CVE-2023-21841 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE • 01/18/2023
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Core). Supported versions that are affected are 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 unauthorized access to critical data or complete access to all Oracle WebLogic Server accessible data. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 7.5 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/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 • 09/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21841 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server, specifically within the Core component of Oracle Fusion Middleware. This vulnerability affects multiple supported versions including 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 vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring specialized skills or privileged access, significantly increasing the risk to affected systems. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 reflects the high severity of this flaw, with particular emphasis on confidentiality impacts that could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms within the WebLogic Server's communication protocols, specifically exposing T3 and IIOP network services that are accessible to unauthenticated attackers. These protocols are commonly used for application server communication and management operations, but in this case they fail to properly validate incoming connections. The vulnerability allows attackers to establish connections without proper authentication credentials, providing them with direct access to the server's internal functions and data repositories. This flaw operates at the network level, requiring only network access to exploit, which means that systems exposed to the internet or internal networks without proper segmentation are at risk.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21841 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete compromise of the affected WebLogic Server instances. Attackers can potentially access critical business data, manipulate application functionality, and establish persistent access points within the target network. The vulnerability's ability to provide unauthorized access to all Oracle WebLogic Server accessible data means that organizations may face significant data breaches and regulatory compliance violations. Additionally, the compromise of these servers can serve as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as WebLogic servers often serve as central points of communication for enterprise applications.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to WebLogic Server ports, particularly those associated with T3 and IIOP protocols. The deployment of firewall rules to block external access to these services and the implementation of network access controls can significantly reduce exploitation risk. Oracle recommends applying the relevant security patches and updates as soon as they become available, while also considering the temporary disabling of unnecessary network services. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual network activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all potentially affected systems within their infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a significant concern under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and persistence tactics, as it allows initial unauthorized access to critical enterprise infrastructure.