CISA: Oracle JDeveloper & WebLogic Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities (CVE-2022-21445 and CVE-2020-14644)

Bar Refael

September 19, 2024

CVE-2022-21445: Oracle JDeveloper Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE-2022-21445 is a remote code execution vulnerability affecting Oracle JDeveloper, Oracle’s integrated development environment (IDE). This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on a target system via specially crafted inputs, exploiting flaws in input validation.

  • CVE ID: CVE-2022-21445
  • Affected Software: Oracle JDeveloper versions prior to the latest security patch.
  • Type: Remote Code Execution
  • Attack Vector: Network
  • Severity: High (CVSS Score: 9.1)
  • Impact: Full system compromise through remote code execution.

Description:

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by delivering specially crafted requests to Oracle JDeveloper, which processes malicious inputs without sufficient validation. This allows for the execution of arbitrary code on the underlying system, potentially leading to full system control. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in development environments, where JDeveloper is used to design and deploy critical applications.

Exploitation Evidence:

CVE-2022-21445 has been observed in active exploitation campaigns, targeting vulnerable development and testing environments. The vulnerability is used to compromise development infrastructure, steal sensitive project data, and launch broader attacks on production systems.

Mitigation Recommendations:

  1. Patch Management: Apply the latest security patch for Oracle JDeveloper, which addresses the improper input validation issue.
  2. Network Segmentation: Ensure that development environments using JDeveloper are isolated from production systems.
  3. Access Control: Limit access to JDeveloper environments to trusted users only and enforce strong authentication mechanisms.

CVE-2020-14644: Oracle WebLogic Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Vulnerability Overview:

CVE-2020-14644 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability in Oracle WebLogic Server, a popular application server used for hosting enterprise applications. This vulnerability is exploited by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to vulnerable WebLogic servers, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely.

  • CVE ID: CVE-2020-14644
  • Affected Software: Oracle WebLogic Server versions prior to the patched releases.
  • Type: Remote Code Execution
  • Attack Vector: Network
  • Severity: Critical (CVSS Score: 9.8)
  • Impact: Full control over the affected server, enabling remote code execution and potential compromise of the entire network.

Description:

This vulnerability stems from improper input validation in Oracle WebLogic Server. Attackers can exploit it by sending malicious HTTP requests, which are improperly processed by the server. Successful exploitation grants the attacker full control over the server, enabling actions such as the deployment of ransomware, data theft, and lateral movement across networks.

Exploitation Evidence:

CVE-2020-14644 has been widely exploited in ransomware campaigns and espionage operations. Attackers often use this vulnerability to gain a foothold in the target network, where WebLogic servers serve as critical infrastructure components.

Mitigation Recommendations:

  1. Patch Management: Apply Oracle’s latest patches for WebLogic Server to address the remote code execution flaw.
  2. Restrict Network Exposure: Avoid exposing WebLogic servers directly to the internet. Use firewalls, VPNs, or other network access controls to restrict access.
  3. Monitor and Log: Implement logging and monitoring of WebLogic Server activities to detect and respond to suspicious requests or potential exploitation attempts.
  4. Hardening Measures: Disable unnecessary services and ports on WebLogic Server instances to minimize the attack surface.

Impact Assessment:

CVE-2022-21445 – Oracle JDeveloper:

  • Impact: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code, compromise development environments, and potentially tamper with critical projects. Attackers could gain access to source code, intellectual property, or sensitive business logic.

CVE-2020-14644 – Oracle WebLogic Server:

  • Impact: Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to full system compromise, enabling attackers to deploy ransomware, steal data, or conduct further attacks against other systems in the network. Since WebLogic often hosts critical applications, the consequences of a compromise are severe, including potential disruption to business operations.

Indicators of Compromise (IoCs):

  • For CVE-2022-21445 (Oracle JDeveloper):
    • Unexpected or unauthorized execution of code within the JDeveloper environment.
    • Abnormal requests or interactions with JDeveloper services.
    • Unauthorized access to project files or data within the development environment.
  • For CVE-2020-14644 (Oracle WebLogic Server):
    • Unusual HTTP requests targeting WebLogic services.
    • Unexplained deployment of new applications or services on WebLogic instances.
    • Abnormal system behavior or performance degradation, particularly around WebLogic components.

Conclusion:

Both CVE-2022-21445 in Oracle JDeveloper and CVE-2020-14644 in Oracle WebLogic Server are critical vulnerabilities that allow remote code execution. These vulnerabilities pose severe risks to organizations, especially those running development environments or hosting critical enterprise applications on WebLogic. Immediate patching and comprehensive security controls are essential to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Monitoring for unusual activity and segmenting vulnerable systems will further reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.