CVE-2023-45648 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Apache Tomcat, including versions 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.0-M11, 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.13, 9.0.0-M1 through 9.0.81, and 8.5.0 through 8.5.93. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation, specifically in the parsing of HTTP trailer headers. A specially crafted, invalid trailer header could cause Apache Tomcat to misinterpret a single request as multiple requests, potentially leading to request smuggling when the server is behind a reverse proxy.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.3, indicating a medium severity level. Organizations utilizing affected versions of Apache Tomcat are at risk, as this vulnerability could be exploited to manipulate how requests are processed, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data leakage.
Apache has released patches for this vulnerability, and it is critical that organizations upgrade to version 11.0.0-M12 or later, 10.1.14 or later, 9.0.81 or later, or 8.5.94 or later to mitigate this risk.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability and ensure the security of their systems.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability identified by CVE-2023-45648 is classified as improper input validation, aligning with CWE-20. It affects multiple Apache Tomcat versions, which failed to correctly parse HTTP trailer headers. This flaw allows an attacker to manipulate request handling, which can lead to vulnerabilities like request smuggling.
The vulnerability was published on October 10, 2023, and has since been classified as medium severity based on a CVSS score of 5.3. This classification emphasizes the need for immediate attention from organizations using affected versions.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the improper handling of HTTP trailer headers in Apache Tomcat. The attack vector is network-based, with low attack complexity, meaning that no special conditions are required for exploitation. Importantly, the vulnerability does not require any privileges or user interaction, which makes it more dangerous.
The confidentiality impact is negligible, but the integrity impact is low, meaning that while sensitive data may not be directly compromised, the manipulation of request handling could allow for unauthorized actions. The availability impact is also none, as the vulnerability does not disrupt service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and manipulation of requests, which could lead to further vulnerabilities or exploits. Given the nature of the flaw, organizations that operate Tomcat behind a reverse proxy are particularly at risk. The need to address this vulnerability is underscored by its medium severity and the fact that it affects several versions of Tomcat, including those that are widely used in production environments.
Organizations should address in priority patch cycle to safeguard their infrastructure and maintain user trust.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Apache Tomcat versions from 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.0-M11, from 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.13, from 9.0.0-M1 through 9.0.81 and from 8.5.0 through 8.5.93 are affected. Older, end-of-life versions may also be impacted. Users should upgrade to version 11.0.0-M12 onwards, 10.1.14 onwards, 9.0.81 onwards or 8.5.94 onwards.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the patches provided by Apache. Upgrading to the versions mentioned will resolve the issue and enhance system security.
In case immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing network controls to restrict access to the affected systems and monitor for unusual request patterns.
For organizations looking to validate the effectiveness of the patching, they may consider utilizing penetration testing to identify any remaining weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any indications of malformed requests that may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Behavioral anomalies in request patterns could serve as a red flag for potential exploitation.
Additionally, network signatures can be developed to identify and alert on suspicious trailer headers in HTTP requests.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability underscores the importance of rigorous input validation mechanisms within web applications. As organizations increasingly rely on complex web architectures, the potential for vulnerabilities such as these grows.
Security teams should be vigilant in adopting secure coding practices and regularly auditing their applications for input validation flaws. Organizations can benefit from a comprehensive penetration testing methodology to proactively address these types of vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, understanding the trends in vulnerabilities and their exploitation can help organizations tailor their defenses effectively. Organizations should also consider engaging in vulnerability management programs that prioritize regular assessments and updates.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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