Description
Path Equivalence: 'file.Name' (Internal Dot) leading to Remote Code Execution and/or Information disclosure and/or malicious content added to uploaded files via write enabled Default Servlet in Apache Tomcat. This issue affects Apache Tomcat: from 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.2, from 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.34, from 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.98. If all of the following were true, a malicious user was able to view security sensitive files and/or inject content into those files: - writes enabled for the default servlet (disabled by default) - support for partial PUT (enabled by default) - a target URL for security sensitive uploads that was a sub-directory of a target URL for public uploads - attacker knowledge of the names of security sensitive files being uploaded - the security sensitive files also being uploaded via partial PUT If all of the following were true, a malicious user was able to perform remote code execution: - writes enabled for the default servlet (disabled by default) - support for partial PUT (enabled by default) - application was using Tomcat's file based session persistence with the default storage location - application included a library that may be leveraged in a deserialization attack Users are recommended to upgrade to version 11.0.3, 10.1.35 or 9.0.99, which fixes the issue.
EPSS Score:
87%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-6498
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-6498 affects Apache Tomcat and is identified by CVE-2025-24813. This issue involves a path equivalence problem where the 'file.Name' (Internal Dot) can lead to Remote Code Execution (RCE), Information Disclosure, and the injection of malicious content into uploaded files via the write-enabled Default Servlet.
Severity Evaluation:
- CVSS Base Score: 9.8
- CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
The high CVSS score indicates a critical vulnerability due to its potential for remote exploitation without user interaction, leading to high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
-
Information Disclosure and Content Injection:
- Conditions:
- Writes enabled for the default servlet.
- Support for partial PUT enabled.
- Target URL for security-sensitive uploads is a sub-directory of a target URL for public uploads.
- Attacker knowledge of the names of security-sensitive files.
- Security-sensitive files uploaded via partial PUT.
- Exploitation: An attacker can view or inject content into security-sensitive files by exploiting the path equivalence issue.
- Conditions:
-
Remote Code Execution:
- Conditions:
- Writes enabled for the default servlet.
- Support for partial PUT enabled.
- Application using Tomcat's file-based session persistence with the default storage location.
- Application includes a library vulnerable to deserialization attacks.
- Exploitation: An attacker can execute arbitrary code by leveraging the deserialization vulnerability in conjunction with the path equivalence issue.
- Conditions:
Exploitation Methods:
- Path Equivalence: Manipulating file paths to bypass security checks.
- Deserialization Attack: Exploiting vulnerable libraries to execute malicious code.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Versions:
- Apache Tomcat 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.2
- Apache Tomcat 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.34
- Apache Tomcat 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.98
Recommended Upgrades:
- Upgrade to Apache Tomcat 11.0.3, 10.1.35, or 9.0.99 to mitigate the issue.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
-
Immediate Mitigation:
- Disable writes for the default servlet.
- Disable support for partial PUT if not required.
- Ensure that security-sensitive uploads are not sub-directories of public uploads.
- Use a non-default storage location for file-based session persistence.
-
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Upgrade to the patched versions of Apache Tomcat (11.0.3, 10.1.35, or 9.0.99).
- Regularly update and patch all software components.
- Implement strict input validation and sanitization.
- Use security tools to monitor and detect suspicious activities.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using Apache Tomcat within the European Union. Given the widespread use of Apache Tomcat in web applications, the potential for large-scale exploitation is high. This could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access, and service disruptions, impacting both public and private sectors.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Technical Analysis:
- Path Equivalence Issue: The vulnerability arises from the way Apache Tomcat handles file paths, allowing an attacker to manipulate the 'file.Name' to access or modify files outside the intended directory.
- Deserialization Vulnerability: The exploitation of deserialization attacks relies on the presence of vulnerable libraries within the application. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when deserialized, execute arbitrary code.
Detection and Monitoring:
- Log Analysis: Monitor logs for unusual file access patterns and PUT requests.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Deploy IDS to detect and alert on suspicious activities related to file uploads and deserialization attempts.
- Code Review: Conduct thorough code reviews to identify and mitigate deserialization vulnerabilities.
References:
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and comprehensively, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and protect their systems and data.