CVE-2008-3257: WebLogic Apache Connector mod_wl stack buffer overflow via HTTP version string

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 18 September 2026. Confidence: high.

critical priorityUnauthenticated remote code execution with a CVSS 2.0 score of 10 and very high EPSS probability, though no KEV listing.

What it is

The Apache Connector (mod_wl) in Oracle WebLogic Server 10.3 and earlier has a stack-based buffer overflow reachable through a long HTTP version string in a request. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can send a crafted request and potentially execute arbitrary code on the server. The flaw is in the connector plugin, so any deployment exposing mod_wl is at risk.

Impact

Successful exploitation allows remote code execution in the context of the web server process, giving the attacker full control of the affected host. The CVSS 2.0 vector rates complete confidentiality, integrity and availability impact.

Attack surface

Reached over the network by sending an HTTP request with an oversized version string, as demonstrated by a long string after "POST /.jsp". No authentication or user interaction is required per the AV:N/AC:L/Au:N vector.

Exploitation

Not listed in CISA KEV, but EPSS is 0.83589 (99.67th percentile) and a public Exploit-DB entry (6089) exists, indicating mature public exploit code. No ransomware group is documented as using it.

What to do

• Apply the Oracle/BEA security alert fix for CVE-2008-3257 or upgrade WebLogic Server beyond 10.3.
• If patching is not immediate, disable or remove the mod_wl Apache Connector from internet-facing web servers.
• Restrict network access to the connector's listening ports to trusted sources only.
• Deploy a reverse proxy or WAF rule that rejects requests with abnormally long HTTP version strings.

Detection

• Inspect web server and mod_wl logs for requests containing unusually long or malformed HTTP version strings.
• Alert on crashes or restarts of the Apache process hosting mod_wl.
• Monitor for exploit traffic matching the public Exploit-DB 6089 pattern against .jsp endpoints.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.