Oracle WebCenter Portal: Improper Access Control
CVE-2026-83040 is a critical-severity improper access control vulnerability in Oracle WebCenter Portal from Oracle, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.6 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Oracle WebCenter Portal versions: 12.2.1.4.0; 14.1.2.0.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.42% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of Oracle WebCenter Portal you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- 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.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oracle | Oracle WebCenter Portal | 12.2.1.4.0; 14.1.2.0.0 | Not stated |
| Oracle | Webcenter Portal | 12.2.1.4.0; 14.1.2.0.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. 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
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (oracle.com).
Official description
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebCenter Portal product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Portlet Services). Supported versions that are affected are 12.2.1.4.0 and 14.1.2.0.0. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via SOAP to compromise Oracle WebCenter Portal. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Oracle WebCenter Portal, attacks may significantly impact additional products (scope change). Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Oracle WebCenter Portal. CVSS 3.1 Base Score 9.6 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Access Control
The product does not restrict or incorrectly restricts access to a resource from an unauthorized actor.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Compartmentalize the system to have safe areas where trust boundaries can be unambiguously drawn. Do not allow sensitive data to go outside of the trust boundary and always be careful when interfacing with a compartment outside of the safe area. Ensure that appropriate compartmentalization is built into the system design, and the compartmentalization allows for and reinforces privilege separation functionality. Architects and designers should rely on the principle of least privilege to decide the appropriate time to use privileges and the time to drop privileges.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Oracle WebCenter Portal
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.6 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
Recent Improper Access Control vulnerabilities
- 7.0 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
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