CVE-2007-1491 in S8300
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Tomcat in Avaya S87XX, S8500, and S8300 before CM 3.1.3, and Avaya SES allows connections from external interfaces via port 8009, which exposes it to attacks from outside parties.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1491 represents a critical network exposure issue within Avaya's communication infrastructure products that utilize Apache Tomcat as their underlying application server. This flaw specifically affects Avaya S87XX, S8500, and S8300 systems running versions prior to CM 3.1.3, as well as Avaya SES platforms. The core issue lies in the improper configuration of network security boundaries where the Tomcat server instance remains accessible from external network interfaces, creating an unintended attack surface that directly contradicts fundamental network segmentation principles.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the default configuration of Apache Tomcat within these Avaya systems, where the server's AJP connector is bound to all network interfaces rather than being restricted to localhost or internal network segments only. This misconfiguration allows unauthorized remote attackers to establish connections directly to the Tomcat service running on port 8009, which typically serves as the AJP connector port for Apache Tomcat. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-668, which specifically addresses "Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere," indicating that a resource intended for internal use has been exposed to external entities without proper access controls. This misconfiguration essentially provides attackers with direct access to the application server layer, bypassing multiple layers of network security controls that should normally protect such critical infrastructure components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple network exposure, as it provides attackers with a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks within the Avaya communication environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially perform directory traversal attacks, execute arbitrary code, or gain access to sensitive system information that may include user credentials, system configurations, or internal network topology details. This exposure creates a significant risk for organizations relying on these systems for mission-critical communications, as it could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of voice and data services. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects the core communication infrastructure components that are often considered critical assets within enterprise environments.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers "Exploit Public-Facing Application," and T1071.004, which addresses "Application Layer Protocol: DNS." The vulnerability also relates to T1105, "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as attackers could leverage the exposed Tomcat instance to execute malicious commands or scripts. Organizations should implement immediate network segmentation measures to restrict access to port 8009, ensuring that only authorized internal systems can reach this service. The recommended mitigation involves configuring the Tomcat server to bind only to localhost interfaces or implementing strict firewall rules that restrict access to the AJP connector port from external networks. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any other exposed services or ports that may present similar vulnerabilities, as this flaw represents a broader configuration management issue within the Avaya systems. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be implemented to prevent similar misconfigurations from occurring in the future, particularly focusing on default service configurations and network access controls that are fundamental to maintaining secure network infrastructure.