CVE-2007-2450 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the (1) Manager and (2) Host Manager web applications in Apache Tomcat 4.0.0 through 4.0.6, 4.1.0 through 4.1.36, 5.0.0 through 5.0.30, 5.5.0 through 5.5.24, and 6.0.0 through 6.0.13 allow remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a parameter name to manager/html/upload, and other unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2450 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting multiple versions of the Apache Tomcat web application server. This vulnerability specifically targets the Manager and Host Manager web applications that are integral components of the Tomcat server architecture. The flaw exists in versions spanning from 4.0.0 through 4.0.6, 4.1.0 through 4.1.36, 5.0.0 through 5.0.30, 5.5.0 through 5.5.24, and 6.0.0 through 6.0.13, indicating a prolonged period of exposure across multiple major releases. The vulnerability operates by allowing authenticated remote attackers to inject malicious web script or HTML code through parameter names, particularly targeting the manager/html/upload endpoint.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Tomcat Manager and Host Manager applications. When users submit parameter names to the manager/html/upload endpoint, the applications fail to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into web responses. This lack of proper sanitization creates an environment where malicious payloads can be executed within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability manifests as a classic XSS flaw categorized under CWE-79, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The flaw operates through the injection of script code that gets executed when other users view the affected web pages, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2450 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the web application environment. Since the vulnerability requires authentication, attackers must first gain valid credentials, but once obtained, they can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code within the context of the victim's browser session. The implications are particularly severe for organizations using Tomcat as their primary web application server, as these applications often handle sensitive user data and business-critical operations. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized administrative actions, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate within the context of the application. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions of Tomcat means that organizations across different release cycles were simultaneously exposed, creating widespread potential for exploitation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, including upgrading to patched versions of Apache Tomcat where available. The recommended approach involves applying the official security patches released by Apache to eliminate the XSS vulnerability in both Manager and Host Manager applications. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding measures can provide additional defense-in-depth. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary web applications and restricting access to Manager interfaces through network-level controls. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566, which involves the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities for initial access, and T1059, which encompasses the use of script-based techniques for execution. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious parameter submissions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper access controls for administrative interfaces to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive management functions.