External risk intelligence

Oracle WebLogic Server Compromise Risk

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2018-2628

A vulnerability in Oracle WebLogic Server allows an unauthenticated attacker with network access to compromise the server, potentially leading to a complete takeover. This presents a significant business risk due to the potential for unauthorized access and disruption of operations.

4Halo Surface Signal

Deserialization

Oracle Weblogic Server

10.3.6.0.012.1.3.0.012.2.1.2.012.2.1.3

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2018-2628

Oracle WebLogic Server is frequently deployed as an internet-facing application server or middleware layer to support web applications and APIs. The vulnerability involves the T3 protocol, which is a core administrative and communication channel often exposed in network-reachable deployments of this software.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This vulnerability impacts Oracle WebLogic Server components. The core issue stems from a flaw that allows an unauthenticated attacker with network access to compromise the server. Successful exploitation can lead to a complete takeover of the Oracle WebLogic Server.

  • Vulnerable Oracle WebLogic Server
  • Unspecified remote code execution flaw
  • Server takeover and data compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability impacts Oracle WebLogic Server, a component of Oracle Fusion Middleware. An attacker can exploit this by accessing the server over the network using the T3 protocol. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to gain complete control of the affected Oracle WebLogic Server. This could lead to significant business risk due to the potential compromise of critical systems and data.

  • Network access via T3 protocol
  • Unauthenticated attacker
  • Server takeover

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in Oracle WebLogic Server could allow an unauthenticated attacker with network access to compromise the server. Successful exploitation could lead to a complete takeover of the affected Oracle WebLogic Server. The high severity indicates a significant potential for business impact.

  • Attackers require no special skill.
  • Network access is the only condition.
  • Business risk is critical.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Oracle WebLogic Server presents a critical risk, potentially allowing an unauthenticated attacker to gain complete control of the affected server. The impact can include unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of sensitive data, disrupting business operations. Given the severity and ease of exploitation, immediate action is required to protect the organization's systems and data.

  • Find all instances of Oracle WebLogic Server.
  • Restrict network access to WebLogic ports.
  • Update WebLogic Server and verify fixes.
  • Monitor for suspicious activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the software component affected by CVE-2018-2628, and what are the supported versions that are vulnerable?

CVE-2018-2628 affects the Oracle WebLogic Server component of Oracle Fusion Middleware. The supported vulnerable versions include 10.3.6.0, 12.1.3.0, 12.2.1.2, and 12.2.1.3.

What type of weakness allows an unauthenticated attacker to compromise Oracle WebLogic Server in CVE-2018-2628?

The weakness is identified as CWE-502, which relates to deserialization of untrusted data. This allows an unauthenticated attacker with network access via the T3 protocol to potentially execute code and take control of the Oracle WebLogic Server.

How can an attacker trigger CVE-2018-2628, and what is the scope of impact on the server?

An unauthenticated attacker with network access via the T3 protocol can exploit this vulnerability. Successful attacks can result in a complete takeover of the Oracle WebLogic Server, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

What makes CVE-2018-2628 a significant threat advisory, especially concerning Oracle WebLogic Server's typical deployment?

Oracle WebLogic Server is often deployed as an internet-facing application server or middleware. The vulnerability's exploitation via the T3 protocol, a core communication channel, and its high CVSS score of 9.8 make it a critical threat. The CISA also lists this as a known exploited vulnerability.

What practical steps should be taken to respond to the risk posed by CVE-2018-2628?

Immediate actions include identifying all Oracle WebLogic Server instances, restricting network access to WebLogic ports, updating the server to the latest patches, and monitoring for any suspicious activity to mitigate the critical risk of a server takeover.

References