CVE-2024-21183 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/17/2024
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Core). Supported versions that are affected are 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).
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-21183 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle WebLogic Server Fusion Middleware, specifically affecting the Core component of the application server. This vulnerability resides in the T3 and IIOP protocols that are fundamental communication mechanisms used by WebLogic Server for internal and external communications. The affected versions 12.2.1.4.0 and 14.1.1.0.0 represent significant portions of the WebLogic Server deployment landscape, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations maintaining these server configurations. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring specialized skills or privileged access, creating a substantial risk for organizations that have not yet patched their systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms within the T3 and IIOP protocol handlers, allowing unauthenticated attackers to establish connections and potentially access sensitive server resources. The Common Weakness Enumeration CWE-287 categorizes this as an improper authentication weakness, where the system fails to properly verify the identity of connecting entities. The vulnerability's attack surface is particularly dangerous because it operates over standard network protocols that are often exposed to external networks, making it accessible to attackers who may not have direct access to the internal network. The CVSS 3.1 scoring of 7.5 reflects the high severity of potential confidentiality impacts, indicating that successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to critical data or complete access to all accessible data within the WebLogic Server environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-21183 extends beyond simple data theft, as it creates a pathway for attackers to potentially compromise entire server infrastructures. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the WebLogic Server, potentially including user credentials, application data, and system configurations. The lack of authentication requirements means that attackers can operate without detection for extended periods, allowing them to conduct reconnaissance, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access points within the network. The absence of user interaction requirements (UI:N) and the low access complexity (AC:L) make this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it requires minimal effort to exploit. Organizations with WebLogic Server installations in production environments face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies focusing on network segmentation and protocol restriction to limit exposure to this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves blocking T3 and IIOP protocols at network boundaries, particularly when these protocols are not required for legitimate business operations. This aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's concept of network boundaries and protocol control, where organizations should limit the attack surface by restricting access to potentially dangerous communication protocols. Additionally, implementing strong network monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability's impact on confidentiality makes it essential for organizations to conduct thorough security assessments of their WebLogic Server configurations, review access controls, and ensure that only necessary protocols are enabled. Patch management processes should be prioritized to deploy Oracle's security patches as soon as they become available, while also implementing additional security controls such as firewalls, network access control lists, and regular vulnerability scanning to prevent exploitation attempts.