External risk intelligence

Oracle WebLogic Server Command Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2015-4852

The vulnerability affects Oracle WebLogic Server, an enterprise application server platform. The specific protocol involved, T3, is a common administrative and communication channel for WebLogic and is frequently exposed on management or application interfaces in server deployments to support remote operations and distributed application functionality.

Deserialization

Oracle Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

3.5.2 and earlier2.310.3.6.0.012.1.2.0.012.1.3.0.012.2.1.0.0

Halo Surface Signal: 4 out of 5 — likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The WLS Security component within Oracle WebLogic Server is affected by a flaw that permits attackers to execute arbitrary commands. This is achieved through specially crafted serialized Java objects transmitted via T3 protocol traffic. The impact of such an exploit could compromise system integrity and data confidentiality.

Vulnerable Oracle WebLogic Server component
Allows arbitrary command execution
Potential data and system compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability in Oracle WebLogic Server allows for remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands. The attack involves sending specially crafted serialized Java objects over the T3 protocol. This can lead to unauthorized command execution on the affected server.

Exposure via T3 protocol traffic.
Attacker sends malicious serialized Java object.
Arbitrary command execution occurs.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

The WLS Security component in Oracle WebLogic Server presents a significant risk due to its exploitable nature. Attackers can execute arbitrary commands by sending specially crafted serialized Java objects through the T3 protocol. This could lead to widespread compromise of affected systems and sensitive data. Organizations utilizing vulnerable versions of Oracle WebLogic Server should treat this vulnerability with high urgency.

Likely attacker skill level: High.
Required access or conditions: Network access, no authentication.
Business risk or urgency: High, remote code execution.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Oracle WebLogic Server allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands. The risk involves unauthorized command execution, potentially leading to data compromise or system disruption. Organizations should prioritize identifying and mitigating exposure to affected systems.

Find exposed WebLogic Servers.
Reduce access to T3 protocol.
Apply vendor updates and verify.
Monitor for related activity.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Free EASM Trial See How Signal Works

Frequently asked questions

What is Oracle WebLogic Server?

Oracle WebLogic Server is a platform for developing and deploying enterprise Java applications. It offers services for managing application lifecycles, facilitating communication between distributed applications, and providing security features for these applications, making it crucial for many business operations.

What type of weakness does CVE-2015-4852 represent?

CVE-2015-4852 is an instance of the 'Deserialization of Untrusted Data' weakness (CWE-502). This means the software fails to properly handle data that has been serialized, which is a process of converting software objects into a format suitable for storage or transmission. An attacker can exploit this flaw.

How can CVE-2015-4852 be exploited, and what is the scope of the impact?

Remote attackers can execute arbitrary commands by sending a crafted serialized Java object through the T3 protocol to TCP port 7001. The scope of this vulnerability is limited to the WebLogic Server product itself, affecting specific versions like 10.3.6.0, 12.1.2.0, 12.1.3.0, and 12.2.1.0.

What is the relevance of CVE-2015-4852 for Oracle WebLogic Server?

The WLS Security component in Oracle WebLogic Server has a vulnerability allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via serialized Java objects in T3 protocol traffic. This is classified as 'Likely' to be exploited due to the nature of the T3 protocol often being exposed for administrative and distributed application functions.

What steps should be taken to address the CVE-2015-4852 vulnerability?

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should identify exposed WebLogic Servers, restrict access to the T3 protocol, apply vendor updates promptly, and verify that security patches have been successfully implemented. Continuous monitoring for related malicious activity is also recommended.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.