CVE-2007-5461 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in Apache Tomcat 4.0.0 through 4.0.6, 4.1.0, 5.0.0, 5.5.0 through 5.5.25, and 6.0.0 through 6.0.14, under certain configurations, allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via a WebDAV write request that specifies an entity with a SYSTEM tag.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5461 represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within Apache Tomcat versions spanning multiple release lines from 4.0.0 through 4.0.6, 4.1.0, 5.0.0, 5.5.0 through 5.5.25, and 6.0.0 through 6.0.14. This vulnerability specifically manifests under certain configuration conditions where WebDAV functionality is enabled, creating a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of file paths within the WebDAV implementation, allowing attackers to manipulate file system access through carefully crafted requests that leverage the SYSTEM tag within XML entities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through WebDAV write requests that contain malicious XML entities with SYSTEM tags, which enable attackers to traverse the absolute file system path and access files that should normally be restricted. This type of attack falls under the category of path traversal attacks as defined by CWE-22, where an attacker manipulates input to access files outside of the intended directory structure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows authenticated users to escalate their privileges and access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially database credentials or application source code that could lead to further system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can enable attackers to retrieve critical system information, application configuration files, and potentially sensitive data that could be used for additional attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access server-side files including but not limited to web application source code, database connection strings, cryptographic keys, and system configuration files that could provide insights into the underlying system architecture. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to data that should remain protected within the server's file system boundaries.
The attack vector specifically targets WebDAV enabled configurations where the SYSTEM tag in XML entities is processed without proper sanitization or validation. This allows attackers to construct malicious requests that can bypass normal file system access controls and retrieve files from arbitrary locations on the server. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear weakness in input validation and XML processing within the Tomcat WebDAV implementation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for XML External Entity Processing and T1566 for credential access through file system access. Organizations running affected Tomcat versions should immediately implement mitigations including disabling WebDAV functionality when not required, applying the appropriate security patches, and implementing proper input validation controls to prevent XML entity expansion attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security configuration management and demonstrates how seemingly benign features like WebDAV can become attack vectors when not properly secured.
This vulnerability type is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Tomcat servers often host critical web applications and where the default configurations may not properly secure WebDAV functionality. The impact is amplified when considering that attackers need only authenticated access to exploit this vulnerability, which suggests that proper authentication and access control mechanisms should be implemented to prevent unauthorized access to WebDAV endpoints. The vulnerability also underscores the need for regular security assessments and patch management processes to ensure that known vulnerabilities in web application servers are addressed promptly. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts to WebDAV endpoints, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely by authenticated users who have access to the web application interface.