CVE-2011-2204 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Tomcat 5.5.x before 5.5.34, 6.x before 6.0.33, and 7.x before 7.0.17, when the MemoryUserDatabase is used, creates log entries containing passwords upon encountering errors in JMX user creation, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading a log file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2204 represents a significant information disclosure issue within Apache Tomcat web server implementations. This flaw affects multiple versions of the Tomcat server including the 5.5.x series before 5.5.34, 6.x series before 6.0.33, and 7.x series before 7.0.17. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the MemoryUserDatabase feature is enabled, which is commonly used for managing user authentication and authorization within Tomcat environments. The underlying technical issue stems from improper error handling mechanisms that inadvertently log sensitive authentication credentials during error conditions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the MemoryUserDatabase's JMX user creation process where error conditions trigger log entries containing plaintext passwords. When administrators or attackers interact with the JMX interface to create user accounts, any failures during this process result in error messages being written to log files. These log entries include the password information in cleartext format, creating an information disclosure vulnerability that violates fundamental security principles. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-209, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1562.001 for "Disable or Modify Tools" and T1078 for "Valid Accounts" as it enables unauthorized access to authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides local attackers with direct access to authentication credentials that could be used for privilege escalation or unauthorized system access. Attackers can simply read the log files to extract plaintext passwords, bypassing the need for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to the system logs, as it creates a persistent threat that remains viable until the software is patched. The vulnerability also impacts organizations that follow security best practices for log management, as it demonstrates how seemingly benign error handling can create significant security risks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the appropriate patches to upgrade to versions that contain the fix, which addresses the improper logging of credentials during JMX user creation failures. System administrators should also review and restrict access to log files, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access these sensitive materials. Additionally, implementing proper log management practices including log rotation, access controls, and monitoring for unusual log file access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling mechanisms, particularly in authentication and authorization systems where sensitive data must be protected from exposure through error messages. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and privilege separation to limit the impact of credential exposure, while maintaining compliance with security standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 for information security management.