CVE-2023-34981 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apache Tomcat that affects versions 11.0.0-M5, 10.1.8, 9.0.74, and 8.5.88. This vulnerability allows information leakage due to a regression in the fix for bug 66512. Specifically, if a response does not include any HTTP headers, no AJP SEND_HEADERS message would be sent for the response. Consequently, an AJP proxy (mod_proxy_ajp) could inadvertently use response headers from the previous request, leading to potential information leaks.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.5, indicating a high severity level. The attack vector is classified as network-based with low complexity and no privileges or user interaction required. This makes it relatively easy for attackers to exploit the vulnerability, putting organizations at risk. Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive information, thus it is crucial for affected entities to address this vulnerability promptly.
Currently, there is no public exploit confirmed for this vulnerability. However, organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate potential risks associated with this weakness. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information.
In summary, the urgency for defenders is high due to the potential information leak and the ease of exploitation. Organizations are advised to implement remediation strategies as soon as possible.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability described in CVE-2023-34981 arises from a regression in a previous patch, which failed to send necessary HTTP headers in certain responses. Consequently, this leads to an information leak where previous request headers may be reused. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-732, indicating that it relates to incorrect handling of information.
The CVSS score of 7.5 reflects that the vulnerability poses a significant risk to confidentiality, with potential high impacts on organizations if exploited. Organizations running the affected versions of Apache Tomcat should be aware of this risk and take steps to protect their systems.
The vulnerability was published on June 21, 2023, and its status has since been modified. Affected versions include Apache Tomcat 8.5.88, 9.0.74, 10.1.8, and 11.0.0-M5.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the regression in the fix for bug 66512. As a result, if a response does not include any HTTP headers, the necessary AJP SEND_HEADERS message will not be sent, causing the proxy to rely on previous request headers. This can lead to information leakage, as sensitive data from one request can be exposed in subsequent responses.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely. The attack complexity is low, and no privileges are required, making it accessible to a wide range of potential attackers without prior authentication. User interaction is not necessary for the exploitation of this vulnerability.
In terms of impacts, the confidentiality of the information processed by the affected systems is significantly compromised. However, the integrity and availability impacts are rated as none, meaning there is no direct risk to the system's operational functionality.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2023-34981 is significant due to the high confidentiality impact. Organizations utilizing affected versions of Apache Tomcat must be aware of the potential for sensitive information leakage, which could lead to unauthorized access and data breaches. The risk extends to all environments where these versions are deployed, increasing the blast radius for potential attacks.
Given the CVSS score of 7.5 and the absence of known exploits, organizations should still treat this vulnerability with high urgency due to its potential implications. Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle, ensuring that systems are updated to prevent possible exploitation.
Exploitation Status
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 this vulnerability: 8.5.88, 9.0.74, 10.1.8, and 11.0.0-M5. Organizations running these versions should apply necessary patches immediately.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching vulnerable versions of Apache Tomcat to mitigate this vulnerability. Upgrading to the latest version that addresses this regression is crucial. If immediate patching is not possible, implementing workarounds such as restricting access to AJP proxies may provide temporary relief.
For comprehensive security, organizations should consider conducting a security assessment, utilizing services such as application security assessments to identify other potential vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for unusual AJP traffic patterns, especially responses without HTTP headers. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in application performance may indicate misuse of the vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2023-34981 highlights the importance of thorough testing and validation of patches to prevent regressions that can lead to vulnerabilities. Security teams must remain vigilant and continuously assess their deployment for potential risks. For further insights on securing systems against similar vulnerabilities, organizations may find value in resources such as penetration testing methodologies and vulnerability management program design to strengthen their security posture.
Additionally, leveraging services like penetration testing as a service can provide ongoing security validation.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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