CVE-2017-12617 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Apache Tomcat, specifically versions 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.0, 8.5.0 to 8.5.22, 8.0.0.RC1 to 8.0.46, and 7.0.0 to 7.0.81. This vulnerability allows attackers to upload JSP files to the server via specially crafted HTTP PUT requests. Once uploaded, any code within these JSP files can be executed by the server, leading to potential unauthorized access and control.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.1, classifying it as high severity. The high score indicates significant risk, especially for organizations utilizing affected Tomcat versions with HTTP PUTs enabled. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Exploitation of this vulnerability is known to be possible, as demonstrated by the presence of publicly available exploits. Furthermore, it is included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which highlights its relevance and the importance of remediation.
Organizations are advised to assess their exposure to this vulnerability, as the potential for remote code execution poses a significant threat to the integrity and confidentiality of their systems.
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows attackers to upload malicious JSP files to servers running vulnerable versions of Apache Tomcat, specifically when the HTTP PUT method is enabled. The official CVE description details that the vulnerable configurations include setting the readonly initialization parameter of the Default servlet to false.
The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 8.1, indicating a high severity level. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are significant, with high ratings across all three metrics.
The affected product is Apache Tomcat, and the vulnerability was published on October 4, 2017. It is categorized under CWE-434, which denotes the issue of unregulated file upload.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2017-12617 lies in the improper configuration of the server, particularly allowing HTTP PUT requests without adequate controls. This misconfiguration enables attackers to upload JSP files that can be executed on the server.
The attack vector is network-based, requiring a high level of complexity due to the need for crafted requests. Importantly, no privileges are required for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability, and user interaction is not necessary.
The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as attackers can execute arbitrary code on the server.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized access, data breaches, and service disruptions. Given the critical nature of remote code execution, the blast radius of a successful exploitation could extend beyond a single server, potentially impacting entire networks.
Given the high CVSS score and the presence of known exploits, organizations are urged to patch their systems immediately. The vulnerability is included in the KEV catalog, indicating its active exploitation in the wild, further emphasizing the need for swift remediation.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Affected versions include Apache Tomcat versions 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.0, 8.5.0 to 8.5.22, 8.0.0.RC1 to 8.0.46, and 7.0.0 to 7.0.81. Organizations running these versions should upgrade to the latest patched release.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risk of CVE-2017-12617, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by the vendor. It is crucial to disable HTTP PUT methods if not necessary, or to configure them properly to prevent unauthorized file uploads. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
For further insights on securing your applications, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing services to uncover similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor server logs for unusual file upload requests or JSP file executions. Behavioral anomalies indicating exploitation should be flagged, and network signatures for identifying malicious HTTP PUT requests should be implemented.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The vulnerabilities represented by CVE-2017-12617 highlight the importance of secure file upload mechanisms in web applications. The continued occurrence of similar vulnerabilities across different platforms serves as a reminder for security teams to implement robust security measures such as input validation and strict access controls.
Organizations are encouraged to adopt a proactive security approach through penetration testing methodology and continuous monitoring to adapt to evolving threats.
As the threat landscape changes, organizations should remain vigilant and informed through vulnerability management programs and threat intelligence insights to enhance their security posture.
In summary, CVE-2017-12617 illustrates the critical nature of securing file upload functionalities and the need for ongoing security assessments to protect organizational assets.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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