CVE-2021-24122 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Apache Tomcat, specifically versions 10.0.0-M1 through 10.0.0-M9, 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.39, 8.5.0 to 8.5.59, and 7.0.0 to 7.0.106. This vulnerability allows for JSP source code disclosure when resources are served from a network location that uses the NTFS file system. The root cause is linked to the unexpected behavior of the JRE API File.getCanonicalPath(), which is influenced by inconsistencies in the Windows API (FindFirstFileW) under certain conditions.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.9, indicating a medium severity level. This score reflects the risk to organizations, particularly the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive source code, which can lead to further exploitation if not addressed. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-706 (Use of Incorrectly Specified Quantity).
Given the medium severity rating and the potential impact on confidentiality, organizations utilizing affected versions of Apache Tomcat should address this vulnerability as part of their patch management processes. The urgency for defenders is high, particularly for those managing environments exposed to external networks.
As of now, no public exploits are confirmed for this vulnerability, and it is not included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. Organizations should remain vigilant, however, as the lack of known exploits does not diminish the risk associated with this issue.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows for the disclosure of JSP source code under specific configurations when resources are served from NTFS file systems. The affected versions of Apache Tomcat exhibit this issue due to the unexpected behavior of the JRE API and Windows API. Organizations should consult the official Apache security advisories for detailed remediation steps.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-24122 is tied to the behavior of the File.getCanonicalPath() method in Java's Runtime Environment (JRE). When handling paths from NTFS file systems, variations in how the Windows API processes these paths can lead to unexpected results, enabling potential information leakage.
This vulnerability is exploitable over the network, with a high attack complexity, meaning that an attacker would require specific conditions to exploit it effectively. No user interaction is required, and the attack does not necessitate any privileges, making it particularly concerning for organizations.
Impact assessments indicate a high confidentiality impact, as the vulnerability facilitates access to sensitive source code, potentially allowing attackers to plan further attacks. There is no integrity or availability impact associated with this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations that deploy vulnerable versions of Apache Tomcat are at risk of unauthorized access to sensitive JSP source code. This could lead to further exploitation, such as privilege escalation or unauthorized data access. The risk is particularly pertinent for environments exposed to the internet or other untrusted networks.
Given the CVSS score of 5.9 and the implications of potential information exposure, it is crucial for organizations to prioritize remediation efforts. The existence of the vulnerability in widely used components like Tomcat highlights the need for proactive security measures.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of Apache Tomcat are affected by CVE-2021-24122:
• Apache Tomcat 10.0.0-M1 to 10.0.0-M9 • Apache Tomcat 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.39 • Apache Tomcat 8.5.0 to 8.5.59 • Apache Tomcat 7.0.0 to 7.0.106
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching affected versions of Apache Tomcat to remediate this vulnerability. The latest patches are available from the official Apache website. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing strict access controls and configurations to limit exposure to vulnerable components.
For further guidance on security testing, organizations can refer to penetration testing as a proactive measure to identify vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts related to CVE-2021-24122, organizations should monitor their logs for unusual access patterns to JSP files. Additionally, auditing application configurations and permissions can help identify misconfigurations that may expose sensitive resources.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-24122 lies in its representation of common pitfalls in application security, specifically concerning file handling and resource exposure. This vulnerability highlights the need for organizations to comprehensively review their security configurations, especially in environments utilizing network file systems.
Organizations are encouraged to develop robust security policies that encompass regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. For more insights on effective security practices, organizations can explore resources on penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management program design to stay ahead of potential threats.
In conclusion, CVE-2021-24122 serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and addressing vulnerabilities promptly to safeguard sensitive information.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)