CVE-2024-52318 identifies an incorrect object recycling and reuse vulnerability in Apache Tomcat, affecting versions 11.0.0, 10.1.31, and 9.0.96. With a CVSS score of 6.1, categorized as medium severity, this vulnerability exposes systems to potential risks, particularly due to its network attack vector and low complexity for exploitation. Organizations are strongly advised to upgrade to the patched versions 11.0.1, 10.1.32, or 9.0.97 to mitigate these vulnerabilities. The urgency for defenders is heightened due to the potential for exploitation and the requirement for user interaction, which could lead to unauthorized access or data exposure.
Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations using the affected versions should take immediate action. The vulnerability's exploitability is rated as medium, suggesting that while public exploits may not be widespread, the potential for attackers to leverage this flaw exists, especially in environments where user interaction is common, such as web applications. The risk to organizations includes unauthorized data access and the potential for further system compromise if not addressed promptly.
To summarize, organizations should prioritize patching immediately to ensure that their Apache Tomcat instances are secure and protected against this identified vulnerability. Regular updates and monitoring for similar vulnerabilities should be part of a robust security posture.
Vulnerability Details
The official description for CVE-2024-52318 states that it is an incorrect object recycling and reuse vulnerability present in the Apache Tomcat application. The vulnerability affects Apache Tomcat versions 11.0.0, 10.1.31, and 9.0.96, with recommended upgrades to versions 11.0.1, 10.1.32, or 9.0.97 to remediate the issue. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-326.
The CVSS base score for this vulnerability is 6.1, indicating a medium severity level. The breakdown of the CVSS vector is: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N. This reflects that the attack vector is network-based, with low attack complexity, no privileges required, and user interaction necessary for exploitation. The confidentiality and integrity impacts are rated as low, while availability is not affected.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is related to improper object recycling mechanisms within Apache Tomcat, which can lead to unintended data exposure or manipulation. Attackers may exploit this flaw by crafting specific requests that leverage the improper handling of objects, achieving unauthorized access to sensitive information. The attack vector is primarily network-based, allowing remote attackers to exploit the vulnerability if user interaction is achieved, such as through web-based interfaces.
The complexity of executing an attack is rated low, meaning attackers do not require advanced skills or a significant amount of time to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction indicates that the attack may need the victim to perform specific actions, which could include clicking on a link or submitting data via a web form. While the potential for confidentiality and integrity impacts exists, the availability of the system remains unaffected by this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2024-52318 is significant due to the common usage of Apache Tomcat in various environments, including production web applications. Organizations utilizing vulnerable versions are at risk of unauthorized access or data leakage through crafted requests that exploit the recycling issue. The blast radius potential can be substantial, affecting multiple users and systems depending on the application's architecture and access controls.
Urgency assessment indicates that organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The CVSS score of 6.1 suggests a medium impact, but the potential for exploitation, combined with user interaction requirements, necessitates a proactive response. Organizations must evaluate the likelihood of exploitation in their specific environments and take appropriate measures to mitigate risks.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Apache Tomcat include 11.0.0, 10.1.31, and 9.0.96. Organizations should upgrade to versions 11.0.1, 10.1.32, or 9.0.97 to resolve this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the impact of CVE-2024-52318, organizations should promptly upgrade their Apache Tomcat installations to the latest versions as specified. If immediate patching is not feasible, organizations can implement workarounds such as restricting access to the affected components and monitoring logs for suspicious activity. Additionally, organizations should consider configuration hardening and network controls to limit exposure to potential attacks.
For further assistance, organizations can explore our application security assessment services to ensure comprehensive protection.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor their systems for logs indicating unusual activity related to object recycling and user interactions. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected access patterns or unauthorized JSP requests, should be flagged for review. Additionally, network signatures associated with exploitation attempts can provide early warning signs of potential threats.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
In the long term, CVE-2024-52318 represents a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices, particularly concerning object management and memory handling in web applications. Security teams should analyze this incident to identify patterns or trends that may help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Regular training and awareness programs focusing on secure development practices can enhance the overall security posture of development teams.
For more in-depth security strategies, organizations can refer to our blog on penetration testing methodology and the importance of continuous monitoring through vulnerability management programs. Additionally, reviewing the latest trends in vulnerability exposure can further strengthen defenses against emerging threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)