CVE-2017-12615 is a high-severity vulnerability that affects Apache Tomcat versions 7.0.0 to 7.0.79 when running on Windows. This vulnerability allows an attacker to upload a JSP file to the server via a specially crafted HTTP PUT request. Once the JSP file is uploaded, it can be accessed and executed by the server, which poses a significant risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.1, indicating a high level of severity. The attack vector is classified as network-based, and the attack complexity is high, requiring no privileges or user interaction. Organizations utilizing affected versions of Tomcat should recognize the critical nature of this vulnerability and take immediate action.
The existence of a known exploit further escalates the urgency for remediation. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and potential exploitation.
Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to serious consequences, including data breaches and loss of control over critical systems. It is imperative for security teams to ensure that all instances of Apache Tomcat are updated and properly configured to protect against this significant threat.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2017-12615 states that when running Apache Tomcat versions 7.0.0 to 7.0.79 on Windows with HTTP PUTs enabled, it was possible to upload a JSP file to the server via a specially crafted request. This JSP file could then be requested, and any code it contained would be executed by the server.
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-434 (Unrestricted File Upload), which indicates that the server does not properly validate uploaded files.
Organizations should be aware that the vulnerability was published on September 19, 2017, and has been analyzed thoroughly in the security community.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of HTTP PUT requests in Apache Tomcat. Specifically, when the readonly initialization parameter is set to false, the server allows file uploads without proper validation, enabling malicious users to upload arbitrary JSP files.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely without needing physical access to the server. The attack complexity is classified as high, as it requires a crafted request to successfully upload a malicious JSP file. No privileges are required to carry out the attack, nor is user interaction necessary.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to significant impacts across confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially compromising sensitive data and disrupting services.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive information, loss of data integrity, and potential disruption of service operations. The ability for attackers to execute arbitrary code elevates the risk of data breaches significantly.
Given the high CVSS score of 8.1 and the fact that this vulnerability is included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations must address this issue in their patching cycles. The urgency of remediation is critical, as attackers are known to exploit this vulnerability actively.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | Yes |
Affected Versions
All versions of Apache Tomcat from 7.0.0 to 7.0.79 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure they have updated to the latest patched version to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply updates per vendor instructions to remediate this vulnerability. Ensuring that HTTP PUT requests are properly configured and not enabled unless necessary is crucial for reducing the attack surface.
Consider implementing additional network controls and monitoring to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. For further guidance on securing your applications, organizations can look into penetration testing services to identify and address similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of unauthorized file uploads and attempts to access JSP files on the server. Behavioral anomalies, especially around file upload patterns, should be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2017-12615 highlights the ongoing challenges organizations face in managing file upload vulnerabilities. This case represents a pattern where attackers exploit misconfigurations in widely used web applications.
Security teams must remain vigilant and continuously assess their security posture. For organizations using Apache Tomcat, regular reviews of configuration settings and updates are essential. For best practices on securing applications, refer to our penetration testing methodology and consider the importance of proactive security measures.
The emergence of known ransomware campaigns utilizing this vulnerability underscores the need for immediate action. Organizations are encouraged to stay informed about emerging threats and to implement comprehensive security strategies.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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