CVE-2008-5519 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE
The JK Connector (aka mod_jk) 1.2.0 through 1.2.26 in Apache Tomcat allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an arbitrary request from an HTTP client, in opportunistic circumstances involving (1) a request from a different client that included a Content-Length header but no POST data or (2) a rapid series of requests, related to noncompliance with the AJP protocol s requirements for requests containing Content-Length headers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2019
The CVE-2008-5519 vulnerability affects the JK Connector module version 1.2.0 through 1.2.26 in Apache Tomcat, representing a significant information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive data through manipulated HTTP client requests. This vulnerability specifically targets the AJP protocol implementation within the mod_jk connector, which serves as a bridge between Apache HTTP Server and Tomcat application servers. The flaw arises from the connector's improper handling of requests that contain Content-Length headers but lack corresponding POST data, creating opportunities for information leakage under specific network conditions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the JK Connector's noncompliance with AJP protocol specifications regarding Content-Length header processing. When a client sends a request with a Content-Length header but no actual POST data, or when rapid successive requests are processed in sequence, the connector fails to properly validate these requests according to AJP protocol requirements. This protocol violation allows attackers to manipulate the request processing flow and potentially extract sensitive information from the server's memory or internal state. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of improper input validation and protocol handling that violates fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5519 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive application data, session information, or internal server details that could aid in subsequent attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gather intelligence about the target system, including application behavior, server configuration details, and potentially user session data. The opportunistic nature of the attack means that successful exploitation depends on specific timing and request patterns, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-200, which covers "Information Exposure" and represents a serious security weakness that can compromise the confidentiality of sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5519 should prioritize immediate patching of the JK Connector to versions that properly implement AJP protocol compliance and handle Content-Length headers correctly. Organizations should also implement network-level monitoring to detect unusual request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on requests with Content-Length headers but no data payload. Configuration hardening measures including disabling unnecessary AJP connector features and implementing strict request validation rules can provide additional defense layers. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers "File and Directory Discovery," as the information disclosure can reveal system and application structure details that attackers can use for further reconnaissance. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malformed requests that attempt to exploit this protocol violation, ensuring comprehensive protection against both current and potential future exploitation vectors.