Critical CVSS 9.8

Overview

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.
The following versions were EOL at the time the CVE was created but are
known to be affected: 8.5.0 though 8.5.100. Other, older, EOL versions
may also be affected.


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.

Risk analysis

This vulnerability is rated 🔴 CRITICAL.

  • CVSS: 9.8 (CRITICAL)
  • Detected tags: apache, deserialization, info_leak (tag impact: VERY HIGH)

Recommended actions:

  • Avoid untrusted deserialization; prefer safe formats (JSON) and signatures.
  • Reduce verbose errors, remove debug endpoints, minimize PII in logs.
  • Patch/upgrade immediately (remote code execution).
  • Reduce exposure (WAF/segmentation), minimize attack surface.

Recommended tools

Tags