Published: 2022-01-18
CVSS Score: 6.1 (Medium)
Affected versions: 12.2.1.4., 14.1.1..
Component: Samples (Oracle Fusion Middleware)
Attack Vector: Network (HTTP), Unaunthenticated
Human Interaction: Required (other than attacker)

Introduction

Oracle WebLogic Server is a widely-used Java EE application server, central to many enterprise software stacks. In January 2022, Oracle disclosed CVE-2022-21257, a vulnerability in the “Samples” component of WebLogic which could allow an unauthenticated attacker to gain unauthorized access and modify data. This vulnerability affects the two supported versions: 12.2.1.4. and 14.1.1... In this exclusive deep dive, we’ll explore exactly how this bug works, what makes it dangerous, and how an attacker could leverage it.

What Is CVE-2022-21257?

CVE-2022-21257 is classified as an easily exploitable flaw in the Samples demo applications shipped with certain versions of WebLogic. What’s really dangerous here is that an attacker does not need to be authenticated—anyone on the network can attack. However, triggering the exploit requires a second person (not the attacker) to interact with the vulnerable sample app, like clicking a link or opening a page, making this a “user interaction required” attack.

Risk: Confidentiality & Integrity (can read or change some WebLogic-accessible data).

- CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N

Core Issue Explained: How Does the Vulnerability Work?

The Samples application is meant for demonstration and educational purposes, but it’s often left accessible in production systems. Many demo modules don’t enforce proper authentication or content validation.

CVE-2022-21257 relates to insufficient input validation in one or more sample applications. An attacker can construct a malicious URL or payload that, when accessed by a legitimate user, triggers unauthorized database operations (like reading or modifying data).

This is typically achieved via attack vectors like

- Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): Attacker convinces a logged-in user to click or visit a crafted link, causing unintended actions in WebLogic.
- Insecure Direct Object References: Attacker crafts URLs that directly access or alter server-side resources.

1. Setup

- The organization has a WebLogic server running on http://weblogic.corp.local:7001/
- The Sample application (usually something like /samples/ or /consolehelp/) is enabled and accessible from outside.

The attacker identifies a sample endpoint that doesn’t validate user input, like

http://weblogic.corp.local:7001/samples/jsp/calculator.jsp?number1=1;DROP+TABLE+users;--&number2=2

Or, in a simpler case, to view sensitive data

http://weblogic.corp.local:7001/samples/jsp/showUser.jsp?userId=1

The attacker sends Alice a phishing email:

“Hey Alice, check out our new calculator: click here”

Example Code Snippet: Vulnerable Sample Code

Let’s simulate a vulnerable JSP snippet from a samples application to show how this might happen.

<%-- calculator.jsp --%>
<%@ page import="java.sql.Connection,java.sql.DriverManager,java.sql.Statement" %>
<%
    String number1 = request.getParameter("number1");
    String number2 = request.getParameter("number2");
    Connection conn = DriverManager.getConnection("jdbc:weblogic:thin:@localhost:1521:orcl", "user", "pass");
    Statement stmt = conn.createStatement();
    String sql = "SELECT " + number1 + " + " + number2 + " as result FROM dual";
    ResultSet rs = stmt.executeQuery(sql);
    // Print result...
%>

> Danger: number1 and number2 are not sanitized! An attacker can inject SQL or malicious input.

Defense: How to Protect Yourself

- Remove all sample/demo applications in production.

Always keep your WebLogic Server updated with the latest security patches.

- Restrict network access using firewalls/ACLs.
- Regularly scan for and disable public access to /samples/ endpoints.

Educate users about phishing and social engineering risks.

Oracle Advisory & Patches:
- Oracle Critical Patch Update Advisory - January 2022
- Oracle WebLogic Security Update

- Oracle CVE-2022-21257 Advisory
- National Vulnerability Database: CVE-2022-21257
- Common Vulnerability Scoring System

Conclusion

While CVE-2022-21257 may seem “low risk” because it needs human interaction, it’s urgent for every organization running WebLogic to remove demos and samples from any system even remotely accessible to users. Exploiting a lack of validation in demo apps is a classic but all-too-common path for attackers.

Patch now, prune your samples, and stay ahead of the next threat!

If you found this article helpful, consider sharing it or updating your security policies today.


Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes and responsible awareness only. Don’t attack systems you don’t own!

Timeline

Published on: 01/19/2022 12:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 01/21/2022 17:23:00 UTC