Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
A security vulnerability was identified in Apache Tomcat, a widely used web server software. This issue could allow a malicious web application to bypass security controls, potentially leading to unauthorized access or actions. The main concern is confirming if your environment uses affected versions of Tomcat and assessing potential exposure.
- Malicious apps could bypass Tomcat security controls.
- It affects a common web server technology.
- Confirm relevance and exposure to Tomcat.
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
An attacker could leverage a malicious web application deployed on an affected Apache Tomcat server to bypass security restrictions. This bypass is possible because a utility method within Tomcat, accessible to web applications, incorrectly handles security contexts. If successful, this could allow the malicious application to perform actions beyond its intended permissions.
- Entry condition: Malicious web application deployed.
- Trigger point: Accessing a Tomcat utility method.
- Resulting risk: Bypassing security controls.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
This vulnerability could allow a malicious web application to bypass security restrictions when running within Apache Tomcat. This bypass might enable unauthorized access to or modification of resources or behaviors that should be protected by the SecurityManager.
- Sensitive application or system data could be exposed.
- An attacker could leverage a deployed malicious application.
- Unauthorized access to protected resources may occur.
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
This vulnerability in Apache Tomcat could allow a malicious web application to bypass security controls. Application owners, in coordination with infrastructure or platform teams, should first identify all instances of affected Tomcat versions, confirm their exposure and criticality, and then plan remediation.
- Application owners and infrastructure teams.
- Verify Tomcat instances and exposure.
- Plan and execute remediation based on risk.
