Apache Tomcat flaw CVE-2025-24813: A Critical Vulnerability and How to Address It

-

Introduction

Apache Tomcat is one of the most widely used open-source servlet containers and web servers. Trusted by millions of organizations for its speed, scalability, and flexibility, Tomcat powers applications that rely on Java Servlets and JavaServer Pages (JSP). However, like any software, Apache Tomcat is not immune to vulnerabilities.

A critical flaw, CVE-2025-24813, was recently disclosed, which has raised alarm in the IT community. This flaw has the potential to allow attackers to execute malicious actions on affected systems, making it essential for organizations to understand its implications and how to mitigate the associated risks.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the Apache Tomcat flaw CVE-2025-24813, examining what it is, how it works, and how you can protect your systems from its impact.

What is Apache Tomcat Flaw CVE-2025-24813?

CVE-2025-24813 refers to a security vulnerability in Apache Tomcat versions 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.98, 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.34, and 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.2. This vulnerability can lead to remote code execution (RCE), information leakage, and data corruption under certain conditions.

Overview of Apache Tomcat

Before we delve deeper into the flaw itself, it's essential to understand the role of Apache Tomcat. Apache Tomcat is a Java-based web server and servlet container used to run web applications. It provides a robust and scalable environment for Java Servlets, JSPs, and other Java-based web applications.

However, as with any widely-used system, its security vulnerabilities can have far-reaching consequences. CVE-2025-24813 represents a particularly severe flaw due to its ability to enable attackers to perform remote code execution.

How CVE-2025-24813 Affects Apache Tomcat

The flaw allows remote attackers to exploit several weak configurations in Tomcat to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or execute arbitrary commands on affected servers. The vulnerability occurs due to improper handling of specific features like file-based session persistence and support for partial PUT requests.

Key Conditions for Exploitation

For CVE-2025-24813 to be exploited, the following conditions must be met:

  1. DefaultServlet Write Permissions: The readonly attribute in the conf/web.xml configuration file must be set to false. This setting allows an attacker to send PUT requests to the server, potentially overwriting sensitive files.

  2. Partial PUT Requests: The vulnerability also requires partial PUT request support to be enabled. This feature, which is enabled by default in Apache Tomcat, can be exploited to inject malicious content into files on the server.

  3. File-Based Session Persistence: Apache Tomcat’s file-based session persistence, particularly when stored in the default location, increases the risk of exploitation. An attacker could target session data to gain further unauthorized access.

  4. Deserialization Vulnerabilities: If the application running on Apache Tomcat includes libraries with known deserialization vulnerabilities (such as certain versions of Apache Commons Collections), this flaw could lead to remote code execution.

Security Impact of CVE-2025-24813

The potential security risks posed by CVE-2025-24813 are severe. Attackers can perform the following actions:

1. Remote Code Execution (RCE)

With the correct exploit, an attacker could gain the ability to execute arbitrary code on the affected server. This could lead to complete system compromise, with the attacker potentially gaining full control over the server.

2. Information Disclosure

Exploiting the vulnerability could also enable attackers to gain access to sensitive information stored on the server, such as user credentials, internal documents, or system configuration data.

3. Data Corruption

If left unpatched, the flaw could allow attackers to corrupt critical files or databases, leading to potential data loss or application downtime.

4. Denial of Service (DoS)

By exploiting the flaw, attackers could cause resource exhaustion, leading to server crashes and downtime, affecting service availability.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24813

Given the serious security implications, it's crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-24813. Here are some recommended actions:

1. Upgrade Apache Tomcat to a Patched Version

The most effective way to protect your system is to upgrade to a patched version of Apache Tomcat. The following versions address the vulnerability:

  • Apache Tomcat 11.0.3 or later
  • Apache Tomcat 10.1.35 or later
  • Apache Tomcat 9.0.99 or later

These versions have fixes for CVE-2025-24813 and other known vulnerabilities.

2. Disable Partial PUT Requests

If partial PUT requests are not required for your application, it's highly recommended to disable this feature. This can be done by setting the allowPartialPut attribute to false in the conf/web.xml configuration file.

3. Restrict DefaultServlet Write Permissions

Ensure that the readonly attribute in conf/web.xml is set to true. This prevents the DefaultServlet from accepting any write operations, which limits the potential for attackers to modify files on your server.

4. Avoid File-Based Session Persistence

Consider using an alternative session storage mechanism, such as database-backed sessions, instead of the default file-based session persistence. This minimizes the risk of attackers tampering with session data.

5. Update Dependencies and Libraries

Ensure that your application’s dependencies and libraries, particularly those related to deserialization, are up to date and free from known vulnerabilities. This will help reduce the attack surface for potential exploits.

Examples of Apache Tomcat Flaw CVE-2025-24813 in Action

Let’s take a closer look at how CVE-2025-24813 could potentially be exploited:

Basic Scenario: Exploiting PUT Requests

In this scenario, an attacker gains access to the server and sends a PUT request to upload a malicious file, such as a web shell or backdoor script, to the server. With this access, the attacker can execute arbitrary commands or steal sensitive data from the server.

Advanced Scenario: Exploiting Deserialization Vulnerabilities

In a more advanced attack, the attacker leverages deserialization vulnerabilities within the application to gain access to system-level privileges. This could lead to remote code execution, full server compromise, and significant data exfiltration.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What versions of Apache Tomcat are affected by CVE-2025-24813?

CVE-2025-24813 affects Apache Tomcat versions 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.98, 10.1.0-M1 to 10.1.34, and 11.0.0-M1 to 11.0.2. Ensure that you upgrade to patched versions, such as 9.0.99, 10.1.35, or 11.0.3.

2. How can I check if my Tomcat server is vulnerable?

You can check your Tomcat version by visiting the Manager or Server Status pages in the web application. If your version falls within the vulnerable range, you should upgrade immediately to the patched version.

3. What is the risk of not mitigating this flaw?

Failure to mitigate CVE-2025-24813 could result in severe security breaches, including remote code execution, information disclosure, data corruption, or even a denial of service. It's crucial to patch your system to avoid these risks.

Conclusion

CVE-2025-24813 is a critical vulnerability in Apache Tomcat that can lead to remote code execution, data corruption, and information leakage. To safeguard your systems, it's essential to upgrade to a patched version of Tomcat, disable unnecessary features like partial PUT requests, and restrict file write permissions. By taking these proactive steps, you can mitigate the risks and ensure the continued security of your web applications.

For more information about Apache Tomcat security, visit Apache Tomcat's official documentation.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Always ensure your systems are up to date with the latest security patches.Thank you for reading the huuphan.com page!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Install Python 3.13

-
Introduction Python 3.13, the latest version of the Python programming language, comes with several performance enhancements, improved syntax, and more powerful libraries. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, installing the latest version is crucial for taking full advantage of these features. This deep guide will cover the installation process on Windows, macOS, and Linux, followed by advanced configuration tips for an optimal Python environment. In this tutorial, you'll also learn how to set up virtual environments, manage dependencies, and handle multiple Python versions efficiently. Let’s explore the full how to install Python 3.13 journey across different operating systems and dive into more advanced topics. Why Upgrade to Python 3.13? Before diving into the installation, it’s worth highlighting the key improvements and features that come with Python 3.13: Asynchronous Performance : Enhanced performance for asynchronous operations and networking. Syntax ...
Read more

zimbra some services are not running [Solve problem]

-
Introduction How to solved zimbra some services are not running. That after, to installed zimbra mail server. The display a some admin console status red in environment multiple server ( zimbra ldap, zimbra mailbox, zimbra mta etc.). Link to below you maybe likes: How to install and configure zimbra multi server.   How to restrict to user sending mail on zimbra 8.6. How to Restrict Sending to Distribution list in zimbra mail. How to change last login time for all accounts in zimbra ldap. How to zimbra reject authenticated sender login mismatch. Error zimbra some services are not running as bellow Step by step guide the solve problem zimbra some services are not running To restart and enable cron service the permanently. service crond restart chkconfig crond on Opening rsyslog.conf file and uncomment the following. vim /etc/rsyslog.conf Uncomment these two lines $modload imupd $UDPServerRun514   To restart and enable rsyslog service the permanently. servic...
Read more

How to Install Docker on Linux Mint 22: A Step-by-Step Guide

-
Introduction Docker has become an essential tool for developers and system administrators, providing a streamlined way to deploy and manage applications in containers. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Docker on Linux Mint 22, from the basics to more advanced configurations. What is Docker Docker   is a platform designed to simplify the development, deployment, and running of applications by using containers. Containers allow developers to package an application with all its dependencies, ensuring that it runs consistently across different environments. Why Use Docker on Linux Mint 22? Linux Mint 22, known for its stability and user-friendly interface, is an excellent choice for setting up Docker. Whether you're a developer looking to streamline your workflow or a sysadmin managing complex applications, Docker on Linux Mint can significantly enhance your productivity. Prerequisites Before we start, make sure you have the following: A system running Lin...
Read more