CVE-2025-24813 is a critical vulnerability affecting Apache Tomcat, classified with a CVSS score of 9.8. This vulnerability allows path equivalence issues that can lead to remote code execution (RCE) and information disclosure. The vulnerability arises from the handling of internal dots in file names, enabling malicious actors to exploit the default servlet when certain conditions are met.
The severity of this vulnerability is significant, as it can expose sensitive information or allow unauthorized code execution. The affected versions of Apache Tomcat include 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.2, 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.34, and 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.98. Older, end-of-life versions may also be impacted.
Given the high-profile nature of this vulnerability and its exploitability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The recommended versions to upgrade to are 11.0.3, 10.1.35, or 9.0.99, which address this critical issue.
In addition to patching, organizations must review their configurations to ensure that the default servlet is not write-enabled, as it is disabled by default. Awareness of this vulnerability is crucial, as attackers could leverage it for significant damage if left unaddressed.
Vulnerability Details
The Apache Tomcat Path Equivalence vulnerability allows a malicious user to view security-sensitive files or inject content into those files if certain conditions are met. Specifically, if writes are enabled for the default servlet (which is disabled by default), and support for partial PUT is enabled (also enabled by default), attackers may exploit the vulnerability.
To successfully exploit this vulnerability, attackers must have knowledge of the names of security-sensitive files being uploaded, and those files must be uploaded via partial PUT requests. If these conditions are met, they could view sensitive data or perform remote code execution if the application utilizes Tomcat's file-based session persistence with default storage locations.
This vulnerability is classified under several CWEs, including CWE-44 (Path Traversal), CWE-502 (Deserialization of Untrusted Data), and CWE-706 (Use of Incorrectly Returned Object or Resource).
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-24813 lies in the handling of file names with internal dots, which can lead to unintended access to sensitive files. The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring no privileges and no user interaction.
The attack complexity is low, which means that it can be exploited easily if the conditions are met. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, resulting in high potential damage.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive data, execution of arbitrary code, and potential compromises to system integrity. The blast radius could be significant, affecting not only individual applications but also interconnected systems and data.
Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability, particularly those using affected versions of Apache Tomcat or similar configurations. The urgency for patching is critical, given the high CVSS score and the known exploitation status.
With CVE-2025-24813 being added to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations must act swiftly. The date added to the KEV catalog is April 1, 2025, and the due date for implementing mitigations is April 22, 2025.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of Apache Tomcat are affected by CVE-2025-24813: from 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.2, from 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.34, and from 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.98. Additionally, versions 8.5.0 through 8.5.100 were end-of-life at the time the CVE was created, but are known to be affected as well.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should upgrade to versions 11.0.3, 10.1.35, or 9.0.99 to address this vulnerability. If upgrading is not possible, disabling write access for the default servlet and partial PUT support can mitigate the risk.
In addition, organizations should review their configurations for security-sensitive uploads and apply configuration hardening measures. Continuous monitoring for any anomalous behavior may help in detecting exploitation attempts.
For further guidance on penetration testing and vulnerability management, organizations can refer to penetration testing services to validate their remediation efforts.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of CVE-2025-24813, organizations should monitor application logs for unusual access patterns, particularly related to file uploads. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected file modifications or unauthorized access to sensitive files, should also be investigated.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2025-24813 represents a significant risk to organizations utilizing Apache Tomcat. The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its ability to allow remote code execution, which can lead to severe consequences if not addressed swiftly.
Security teams should learn from this incident and enhance their defenses against similar vulnerabilities in the future. Organizations are encouraged to develop a robust vulnerability management program to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively.
For more information on vulnerability management best practices, organizations can explore this resource and consider implementing comprehensive security assessments through application security assessments to further strengthen their security posture.
Finally, organizations are urged to keep abreast of emerging threats and vulnerabilities to enhance their overall security strategy.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)