Race Condition Vulnerability in Apache Tomcat Affects Multiple Versions
CVE-2024-56337

9.8CRITICAL

Key Information:

Vendor: Apache
Status: Apache Tomcat
Vendor: CVE Published:; 20 December 2024

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What is CVE-2024-56337?

CVE-2024-56337 refers to a race condition vulnerability identified in Apache Tomcat, a widely used open-source implementation of the Java Servlet, JavaServer Pages, and Java Expression Language technologies. This vulnerability specifically affects multiple versions of Tomcat, from 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.97, as well as later versions up to 11.0.1. If exploited, this vulnerability can have severe implications for organizations that rely on Apache Tomcat for their web applications, particularly when running on case-insensitive file systems. With the default servlet write enabled, an attacker may gain unauthorized access or modify data, thereby compromising the integrity and security of the application.

Technical Details

The vulnerability in question is categorized as a Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition. This occurs when a system checks the state of a resource or permission at one point in time and relies on that state at a later time, potentially allowing an attacker to intervene and modify the resource's state between these two checks. Specifically, this issue emerges when the server’s configurations, particularly the initialization parameters, allow for write capabilities while operating under a case-insensitive file system. The necessary mitigation steps to address this vulnerability are tied closely to specific Java versions, requiring configuration adjustments that may differ based on the environment.

Potential impact of CVE-2024-56337

Unauthorized Data Modification: The race condition may allow attackers to manipulate data before or as it is being processed by the server, leading to alteration or corruption of critical application data.
Service Disruption: Exploiting this vulnerability can potentially lead to service interruptions or crashes, rendering web applications unavailable and affecting business continuity.
Increased Attack Surface: Organizations using affected versions of Tomcat with inadequate configuration are at heightened risk for further attacks, as successful exploitation may grant an attacker elevated privileges to the server, facilitating additional malicious activities.

Affected Version(s)

Apache Tomcat 11.0.0-M1 <= 11.0.1

Apache Tomcat 10.1.0-M1 <= 10.1.33

Apache Tomcat 9.0.0.M1 <= 9.0.97

News Articles

cyberkendra.com

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