Improper Input Validation in Apache Tomcat by Apache

CVE-2025-31650

What is CVE-2025-31650?

CVE-2025-31650 is a notable vulnerability found in Apache Tomcat, a widely used open-source application server that provides a robust platform for running Java applications. This particular vulnerability is characterized by improper input validation due to incorrect error handling of certain invalid HTTP priority headers. If exploited, it could lead to a memory leak, potentially resulting in an OutOfMemoryException. For organizations relying on Apache Tomcat for their web applications, this could compromise service availability and operational efficiency.

Technical Details

The vulnerability arises from the way Apache Tomcat processes invalid HTTP priority headers. Specifically, the error handling mechanism fails to adequately clean up failed requests, leading to a gradual depletion of memory resources as numerous invalid requests are processed. This oversight affects specific versions of Apache Tomcat, including versions 9.0.76 through 9.0.102, 10.1.10 through 10.1.39, and from 11.0.0-M2 through 11.0.5. To mitigate this risk, users are advised to upgrade to versions 9.0.104, 10.1.40, or 11.0.6, which address the vulnerability.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-31650

1. Denial of Service (DoS): The most immediate impact of this vulnerability is the potential for denial of service. An attacker could deliberately send numerous invalid HTTP requests, exhausting server memory and rendering services unavailable to legitimate users.

2. Resource Depletion: Continuous exploitation can lead to significant resource depletion, affecting system performance and potentially causing crashes or disruptions in service for users relying on the server for critical operations.

3. Operational Risks: With a vulnerable server susceptible to repeated invalid request scenarios, organizations may face operational risks, such as increased maintenance costs, strained IT resources for troubleshooting, and the necessity for urgent updates, all of which can detract from core business functions.

News Articles

Cyber Security Agency of Singapore

CVE-2025-31650CVE-2025-31651

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