CVE-2025-55752 is a high-severity relative path traversal vulnerability identified in Apache Tomcat. The CVSS score of 7.5 underscores the significant risk posed by this vulnerability, which allows attackers to bypass security constraints, particularly protections for sensitive directories such as /WEB-INF/ and /META-INF/. The potential for exploitation is especially concerning if the PUT method is enabled, which could lead to unauthorized file uploads and remote code execution.
This vulnerability arises from a regression introduced in the fix for bug 60013, where the rewritten URL was incorrectly normalized before decoding. Attackers can exploit this flaw by manipulating the request URI, thus compromising the application's security. Given that PUT requests are generally restricted to trusted users, the likelihood of exploitation increases if these requests are enabled alongside the vulnerable rewrite rules.
Organizations using affected versions of Apache Tomcat (from 11.0.0-M1 to 11.0.10, 10.1.0-M1 to 10.1.44, and 9.0.0.M11 to 9.0.108) should take immediate action to mitigate this vulnerability. Previous end-of-life versions, particularly 8.5.6 through 8.5.100, are also known to be affected, and it is advisable for users to upgrade to the recommended versions to ensure their systems are secure.
With the potential for serious consequences, including remote code execution, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Not addressing this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access and significant damage to their systems.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-23, indicating a relative path traversal issue. It affects Apache Tomcat versions ranging from 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.10, 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.44, and 9.0.0.M11 through 9.0.108. The recommended action is to upgrade to version 11.0.11 or later, 10.1.45 or later, or 9.0.109 or later to rectify the issue.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-55752 stems from a regression in URL normalization introduced in an earlier fix. This flaw allows attackers to manipulate the request URI when rewrite rules improperly handle query parameters. The attack vector is network-based, and the attack complexity is classified as high, indicating that an attacker must have a certain level of expertise to execute a successful attack.
The vulnerability requires low privileges to exploit, and there is no user interaction necessary. If successful, the impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all classified as high, significantly affecting the security posture of the organization.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive directories and the potential for remote code execution if PUT requests are enabled. The blast radius can be extensive, particularly for organizations relying on Apache Tomcat for critical web applications. Given the CVSS score of 7.5, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
Organizations must assess their deployment configurations to identify any instances of the affected versions. Vulnerabilities in web applications can be exploited to gain unauthorized access and manipulate sensitive data, emphasizing the need for immediate remediation.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Users should be aware that versions of Apache Tomcat from 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.10, 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.44, and 9.0.0.M11 through 9.0.108 are affected. Additionally, versions 8.5.6 through 8.5.100, which are EOL, are also known to be impacted.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should upgrade to Apache Tomcat version 11.0.11 or later, 10.1.45 or later, or 9.0.109 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. If immediate upgrades are not feasible, implementing strict access controls to restrict PUT requests is critical.
For enhanced security, configuration hardening should be applied, ensuring that rewrite rules do not inadvertently expose sensitive directories. Organizations are also encouraged to conduct thorough security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities.
For comprehensive assessments, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing to validate their security posture against such vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns to sensitive directories and any unexpected PUT requests. Behavioral anomalies, such as requests attempting to access /WEB-INF/ or /META-INF/, should be investigated promptly. Network signatures indicative of exploitation attempts should also be established.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-55752 highlights the ongoing challenges in securing web application frameworks like Apache Tomcat. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous testing during updates, as well as the need for continuous monitoring and patch management.
Security teams should consider this vulnerability part of a broader trend of path traversal vulnerabilities that can lead to critical exploits. Engaging in proactive security measures and regular assessments is vital to maintaining a robust security posture.
Organizations can benefit from understanding how such vulnerabilities emerge and evolve, thus enhancing their defensive strategies. For further insights into effective security practices, reviewing resources on vulnerability management programs can provide valuable guidance.
Additionally, it is essential to engage with penetration testing methodologies to ensure comprehensive coverage against evolving threats.
Lastly, understanding the role of continuous security testing can be critical in identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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