CVE-2007-0774 in Tomcat JK Web Server Connector
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the map_uri_to_worker function (native/common/jk_uri_worker_map.c) in mod_jk.so for Apache Tomcat JK Web Server Connector 1.2.19 and 1.2.20, as used in Tomcat 4.1.34 and 5.5.20, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long URL that triggers the overflow in a URI worker map routine.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0774 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Apache Tomcat JK Web Server Connector module. This flaw exists in the map_uri_to_worker function located in the native/common/jk_uri_worker_map.c file of mod_jk.so, affecting versions 1.2.19 and 1.2.20 of the connector when used with Tomcat versions 4.1.34 and 5.5.20 respectively. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when processing Uniform Resource Identifiers, specifically within the URI worker mapping routine that handles the association between incoming URLs and backend worker processes. The buffer overflow occurs when a remote attacker submits a specially crafted URL containing excessive data that exceeds the allocated stack buffer space, causing adjacent memory to be overwritten with attacker-controlled data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where the flaw allows for arbitrary code execution through memory corruption techniques. When the malformed URL is processed, the excessive input causes the stack buffer to overflow, potentially overwriting the return address of the calling function and other critical stack variables. This memory corruption enables attackers to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected into the stack, effectively allowing remote code execution with the privileges of the affected web server process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the native module level within the Apache HTTP Server, meaning the attacker can leverage this weakness to compromise the entire web server infrastructure without requiring local system access.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to web application security as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems without authentication. The attack vector is straightforward and can be initiated through simple HTTP requests containing overly long URLs, making it highly exploitable in automated attack scenarios. Organizations running affected versions of Apache Tomcat with the JK connector are at risk of complete system compromise, including potential data theft, service disruption, and lateral movement within the network. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms that attackers can employ to maintain access to compromised systems. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers can leverage the executed code to perform further malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0774 require immediate action to address the underlying buffer overflow vulnerability. The primary and most effective solution involves upgrading to patched versions of the Apache Tomcat JK Web Server Connector, specifically versions 1.2.21 and later where the buffer overflow has been resolved through proper input validation and bounds checking. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as URL length restrictions and web application firewalls that can detect and block excessively long URLs before they reach the vulnerable module. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in URL processing that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive vulnerability scanning across all systems running affected software versions and implementation of proper input sanitization measures to prevent similar issues in custom applications. System administrators should also consider implementing privilege separation and least-privilege principles to limit the potential impact should exploitation occur despite preventive measures.