CVE-2023-21838 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2023-21838 vulnerability in Oracle WebLogic Server, its impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps. Published Date: January 17, 2023.
This CVE was published on January 17, 2023, by Oracle. It pertains to a vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware.
Understanding CVE-2023-21838
This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21838, including its impact, technical description, affected systems and versions, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation methods.
What is CVE-2023-21838?
CVE-2023-21838 is an easily exploitable vulnerability that allows an unauthenticated attacker with network access via T3 and IIOP to compromise Oracle WebLogic Server. Successful attacks on this vulnerability may lead to unauthorized operations resulting in a hang or frequently repeatable crash of the Oracle WebLogic Server, which could lead to complete Denial of Service (DOS) attacks.
The Impact of CVE-2023-21838
The impact of this CVE is significant, with a CVSS 3.1 Base Score of 7.5 in terms of availability impacts. This vulnerability can allow attackers to disrupt the availability of the Oracle WebLogic Server, potentially causing downtime and service interruptions.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-21838
In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21838, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Oracle WebLogic Server allows unauthenticated attackers to compromise the server through network access via T3 and IIOP. The unauthorized actions resulting from successful exploitation can lead to severe disruptions in server operations.
Affected Systems and Versions
The affected systems include Oracle WebLogic Server versions 12.2.1.3.0, 12.2.1.4.0, and 14.1.1.0.0. Users of these versions are at risk of being impacted by this vulnerability and should take immediate action to mitigate the threat.
Exploitation Mechanism
The exploitation of CVE-2023-21838 involves an unauthenticated attacker leveraging network access via T3 and IIOP to compromise the Oracle WebLogic Server. By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can cause a complete Denial of Service (DOS) by crashing the server or causing it to hang.
Mitigation and Prevention
To safeguard against the risks posed by CVE-2023-21838, it is crucial to take immediate steps to secure your systems and implement long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
Immediately update your Oracle WebLogic Server to a patched version that addresses CVE-2023-21838. Additionally, restrict network access to critical servers and review access controls to prevent unauthenticated users from compromising the system.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement robust security measures such as regular security assessments, network monitoring, and employee training to enhance the overall security posture of your organization and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security updates and patches released by Oracle for the WebLogic Server product. Promptly apply these updates to ensure that your systems are protected against known vulnerabilities and security threats.