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A severe security vulnerability, CVE-2025-24813, has been discovered in Apache Tomcat, enabling attackers to achieve Remote Code Execution (RCE) on unpatched servers. This vulnerability arises from how Tomcat handles partial PUT requests and path equivalence, allowing unauthorized users to bypass security measures and execute arbitrary code.
This issue affects a wide range of Tomcat versions, from 9.0.0-M1 to 9.0.98, 10.1.0-M1 to 10.1.34, and 11.0.0-M1 to 11.0.2. However, the vulnerability has been patched in versions 9.0.99, 10.1.35, and 11.0.3.
Given the active exploitation of this flaw and the availability of proof-of-concept (PoC) exploits, organizations must act swiftly to mitigate risks. This article breaks down how attackers exploit this vulnerability, the impact of successful attacks, and essential mitigation strategies to protect affected systems.
How Attackers Exploit CVE-2025-24813
Step-by-Step Attack Execution
1. Uploading a Malicious Payload:
- Attackers use a PUT request to upload a specially crafted, serialized Java payload into a writable directory on the server.
2. Triggering Execution:
- A GET request with a manipulated JSESSIONID cookie forces the server to deserialize the payload, leading to arbitrary code execution.
Conditions for Exploitation
Successful exploitation requires specific server configurations, which are not default settings in most cases:
– The default servlet must have write permissions.
– Partial PUT support must be enabled.
- The system must use file-based session persistence with a deserialization-vulnerable library.
Despite these prerequisites, active exploitation attempts have been observed globally, particularly targeting the United States, Japan, India, South Korea, and Mexico.
The Growing Threat
- Rapid PoC Exploit Availability: The release of proof-of-concept (PoC) exploits has lowered the barrier for attackers, making exploitation attempts more frequent.
- Diverse Attacker Profiles: Both advanced threat actors and low-skill attackers are attempting to exploit this vulnerability.
- Limited Exploitation Success: Due to the strict conditions required, widespread compromise is unlikely but still a serious risk.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24813
1. Immediate Patch Application
– Organizations should upgrade to the patched versions:
– 9.0.99 (for Apache Tomcat 9)
– 10.1.35 (for Apache Tomcat 10)
– 11.0.3 (for Apache Tomcat 11)
2. Temporary Protection Measures
If upgrading is not immediately possible, consider:
– Network-level access controls to restrict unauthorized access.
- Disabling unused HTTP methods, such as PUT and DELETE, to reduce attack vectors.
– Enforcing strict access controls on the server.
3. Continuous Monitoring & Threat Detection
– Enable logging to detect suspicious activity.
- Use Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) to block malicious requests.
- Regularly scan for indicators of compromise in Tomcat logs.
By following these mitigation strategies, organizations can significantly reduce the risk posed by CVE-2025-24813.
What Undercode Says:
The discovery of CVE-2025-24813 in Apache Tomcat highlights an ongoing security challenge in modern web infrastructure. Here’s a deeper look at its implications:
1. Why This Vulnerability is Dangerous
- Remote Code Execution (RCE) is one of the most severe types of vulnerabilities, often leading to complete system compromise.
- The ability to bypass authentication mechanisms means that attackers don’t need prior access to exploit the flaw.
- Attackers can use this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate data, or move laterally within a network.
2. The Growing Threat Landscape
- Organizations relying on legacy systems or poorly maintained Tomcat servers are particularly vulnerable.
- Attackers are increasingly leveraging automation to scan the internet for susceptible servers.
- Cloud environments running vulnerable Tomcat instances could be at higher risk due to their exposure.
3. Lessons from Past Apache Tomcat Vulnerabilities
- Apache Tomcat has had similar vulnerabilities in the past, such as CVE-2020-1938 (“Ghostcat”), which allowed attackers to read arbitrary files.
- The Java deserialization attack vector is a recurring issue in many Java-based applications.
4. Proactive Security Strategies
To prevent future security breaches, organizations should:
- Regularly update software to minimize exposure to known vulnerabilities.
– Conduct security audits to check for misconfigurations.
- Implement strict privilege management to ensure that only authorized users have access to critical systems.
5. The Role of Security Researchers & Vendors
- Security researchers play a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited on a large scale.
- Vendors should focus on secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in future releases.
The key takeaway? Timely patching, continuous monitoring, and proactive security practices are the best defense against critical vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-24813.
Fact Checker Results
- CVE-2025-24813 is actively exploited, with confirmed attack attempts in multiple countries.
- Successful exploitation is difficult due to specific server conditions, but not impossible.
- Patch releases are available, and immediate upgrades are the best defense against this vulnerability.
References:
Reported By: https://cyberpress.org/apache-tomcat-vulnerability-cve-2025-24813-exploited/
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