CVE-2015-4852 Oracle WebLogic Server Deserialization of Untrusted Data Vulnerability
Oracle WebLogic Server contains a deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability within Apache Commons, which can allow for for remote code execution.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 3 Nov 2021.
- Rated Critical severity (CVSS 9.8, scored by CISA).
- This product type is often exposed to the internet, which is where attackers scan for it first.
- It has been in the catalogue for 1,829 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
The WLS Security component in Oracle WebLogic Server 10.3.6.0, 12.1.2.0, 12.1.3.0, and 12.2.1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted serialized Java object in T3 protocol traffic to TCP port 7001, related to oracle_common/modules/com.bea.core.apache.commons.collections.jar. NOTE: the scope of this CVE is limited to the WebLogic Server product.
What To Do Now
- 1
Find it
Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Oracle WebLogic Server. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.
Attack Surface Management - 2
- 3
Hunt for compromise
If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.
Incident Response - 4
Prove it is fixed
Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.
Penetration Testing
Vendor Advisories
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
Our attack surface and vulnerability teams can check your internet-facing estate for CVE-2015-4852 and every other exploited flaw on the list.
Sources
- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue
- NVD: CVE-2015-4852
- CVE record: CVE-2015-4852
- FIRST EPSS
- oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujan2018-3236628.html
- oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuapr2017-3236618.html
- oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/cpujan2016-2367955.html
- oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuoct2016-2881722.html
- github.com/foxglovesec/JavaUnserializeExploits/blob/master/weblogic.py
- oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuoct2017-3236626.html
- blogs.oracle.com/security/entry/security_alert_cve_2015_4852
- securitytracker.com/id/1038292
