CVE-2024-52317: Incorrect Object Re-cycling and Re-use Vulnerability in Apache Tomcat Leads to Request and Response Mix-up Between Users

Apache Tomcat, the popular open-source web server and servlet container, has been found to have a critical vulnerability that can potentially lead to request and/or response mix-up between users. Due to an error in the recycling of the request and response used by HTTP/2 requests, attackers can exploit this vulnerability to compromise sensitive user data and information. The issue has been assigned the identifier CVE-2024-52317.

Affected Versions

Apache Tomcat versions 11..-M23 through 11..-M26, 10.1.27 through 10.1.30, and 9..92 through 9..95 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploit Details

In the vulnerable versions, when a user sends an HTTP/2 request, the request and response objects are not recycled correctly. This could potentially result in the sharing of request and response information between different users. An attacker could exploit this by sending specially crafted HTTP/2 requests to the affected server, causing the server to return sensitive information intended for other users or accept incorrect user input.

Here is a simple example highlighting how the vulnerability can be exploited

// This code demonstrates a malicious HTTP/2 request exploiting the vulnerability
public class ExploitCVE202452317 {

    public static void main(String[] args) throws Exception {
        final String targetUrl = "https://<target_server>/";;
        final HttpRequest request = HttpRequest.newBuilder()
            .uri(URI.create(targetUrl))
            .version(HttpClient.Version.HTTP_2)
            .GET()
            .build();

        final HttpResponse<Void> response = sendMaliciousRequest(request);

        // Check if the response contains sensitive information from other users
        if (responseContainsSensitiveData(response)) {
            System.out.println("Vulnerability exploited successfully.");
        } else {
            System.out.println("Exploit failed.");
        }
    }

    private static HttpResponse<Void> sendMaliciousRequest(HttpRequest request) throws Exception {
        final HttpClient client = HttpClient.newBuilder()
            .version(HttpClient.Version.HTTP_2)
            .build();
        return client.send(request, HttpResponse.BodyHandlers.discarding());
    }

    private static boolean responseContainsSensitiveData(HttpResponse<Void> response) {
        // Implement logic to check if the response contains sensitive data from other users
        return false;
    }

Original References

- Apache Tomcat Security Advisory
- Apache Tomcat Security Advisory for 10.x
- Apache Tomcat Security Advisory for 11.x

Recommendations

The developers of Apache Tomcat have released patches that address this vulnerability. Users are strongly advised to upgrade to the fixed versions (11.., 10.1.31, or 9..96) as soon as possible to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. In addition, always practice secure coding techniques to reduce the likelihood of security issues in your applications.

Conclusion

CVE-2024-52317 poses serious security risks to Apache Tomcat users, as it can lead to request and response mix-up between users. By upgrading to the patched versions and following secure programming practices, you can ensure the safety of your applications and protect sensitive user data from being compromised.

Timeline

Published on: 11/18/2024 12:15:18 UTC
Last modified on: 11/21/2024 09:46:16 UTC