CVE-2010-3718 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Tomcat 7.0.0 through 7.0.3, 6.0.x, and 5.5.x, when running within a SecurityManager, does not make the ServletContext attribute read-only, which allows local web applications to read or write files outside of the intended working directory, as demonstrated using a directory traversal attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3718 represents a critical security flaw in Apache Tomcat versions ranging from 7.0.0 through 7.0.3, as well as all 6.0.x and 5.5.x releases. This issue specifically manifests when Tomcat operates within a SecurityManager environment, creating a dangerous privilege escalation scenario that undermines the fundamental security boundaries designed to isolate web applications. The flaw stems from the improper handling of ServletContext attributes, which should normally be restricted to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. When a SecurityManager is present, the application server should enforce strict boundaries to prevent malicious code from accessing files outside the designated working directory, but this protection fails due to the vulnerability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows local web applications to exploit directory traversal attacks through manipulation of ServletContext attributes. Specifically, the flaw enables applications to bypass the intended security restrictions by making the ServletContext attribute mutable when it should remain read-only. This mutable state permits attackers to craft malicious requests that can read or write files beyond the application's intended working directory, effectively breaking the sandboxing mechanism that SecurityManager is designed to enforce. The vulnerability operates at the application level rather than the system level, making it particularly insidious as it leverages legitimate application functionality to achieve unauthorized system access. Attackers can exploit this weakness to access sensitive files, modify critical application data, or potentially escalate privileges within the hosting environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3718 extends far beyond simple data exposure, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of applications running on affected Tomcat versions. Organizations deploying these vulnerable versions face significant risks including unauthorized data access, potential system compromise, and violation of data integrity principles that are essential for web application security. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where SecurityManager is enabled as a security control, creating a false sense of security while simultaneously providing attackers with a path to bypass these protections. This flaw can be exploited by attackers who have already gained access to a web application, making it a critical concern for organizations with multiple web applications or those that rely on Tomcat's built-in security mechanisms for isolation between applications. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in multi-tenant hosting environments where proper isolation between applications is crucial for maintaining security boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3718 require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams responsible for Tomcat deployments. The primary and most effective solution involves upgrading to patched versions of Apache Tomcat, specifically versions that address this ServletContext attribute handling issue. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as disabling SecurityManager where possible, as the vulnerability specifically targets scenarios where SecurityManager is enabled. Network-level restrictions and proper access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of exploitation, while regular security audits should verify that applications are not inadvertently creating conditions that could allow directory traversal attacks. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 directory traversal weaknesses and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion categories, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures beyond simple patching.
The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper attribute handling in security-sensitive environments and highlights how seemingly minor implementation flaws can have significant security implications. It serves as a reminder that security controls must be rigorously tested and validated, particularly when dealing with application containers that are expected to provide isolation between different applications. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected Tomcat versions and ensure that proper security configurations are in place to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities. Regular security updates and patch management processes become critical in maintaining the security posture of web applications that rely on container-based deployment models.