Oracle WebLogic Server Deserialization of Untrusted Data
CVE-2015-4852 is a critical-severity deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure from Oracle, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Virtual Desktop Infrastructure versions: 3.5.2 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on November 3, 2021, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Check which version of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Read the advisory on oracle.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oracle | Virtual Desktop Infrastructure | 3.5.2 and earlier | Not stated |
| Oracle | Storagetek Tape Analytics Sw Tool | 2.3 | Not stated |
| Oracle | Weblogic Server | 10.3.6.0.0; 12.1.2.0.0; 12.1.3.0.0; 12.2.1.0.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
The WLS Security component in Oracle WebLogic Server 10.3.6.0, 12.1.2.0, 12.1.3.0, and 12.2.1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted serialized Java object in T3 protocol traffic to TCP port 7001, related to oracle_common/modules/com.bea.core.apache.commons.collections.jar. NOTE: the scope of this CVE is limited to the WebLogic Server product.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
The product deserializes untrusted data without sufficiently ensuring that the resulting data will be valid.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If available, use the signing/sealing features of the programming language to assure that deserialized data has not been tainted. For example, a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC) could be used to ensure that data has not been modified.
- When deserializing data, populate a new object rather than just deserializing. The result is that the data flows through safe input validation and that the functions are safe.
- Explicitly define a final object() to prevent deserialization.
More Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities (CWE-502)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuapr2017-3236618.html
- oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujan2018-3236628.html
- oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuoct2016-2881722.html
- oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuoct2017-3236626.html
- oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/alert-cve-2015-4852-2763333.html
- oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/cpujan2016-2367955.html
Third-party and government advisories
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2015/11/17/19Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2015-4852US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- foxglovesecurity.com/2015/11/06/what-do-weblogic-websphere-jboss-jenkins-opennms-and-your-application-have-in…Exploit
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/152268/Oracle-Weblogic-Server-Deserialization-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- exploit-db.com/exploits/42806/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- exploit-db.com/exploits/46628/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other references
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