CVE-2011-3376 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE
org/apache/catalina/core/DefaultInstanceManager.java in Apache Tomcat 7.x before 7.0.22 does not properly restrict ContainerServlets in the Manager application, which allows local users to gain privileges by using an untrusted web application to access the Manager application s functionality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-3376 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Apache Tomcat's DefaultInstanceManager component. This issue affects versions 7.x prior to 7.0.22 and specifically targets the Manager application's ContainerServlets functionality. The flaw arises from inadequate restrictions that allow local users to exploit the system through untrusted web applications to access privileged Manager application features. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a fundamental failure in access control mechanisms within the Tomcat application server architecture. The issue is classified under CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting weaknesses in the system to gain elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how DefaultInstanceManager handles container servlets within the Manager application context. When local users deploy untrusted web applications that can access the Manager application's functionality, they can leverage the insufficient access controls to escalate their privileges. The flaw occurs because the system fails to properly validate and restrict access to sensitive Manager application components, particularly those related to ContainerServlets that manage application lifecycle operations. This creates an attack vector where malicious actors can manipulate the application server's internal state through carefully crafted web applications that exploit the trust relationship between the container and its deployed applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical administrative functions within the Tomcat server. Local users who can deploy applications to the server can potentially execute arbitrary commands, modify application configurations, or even compromise the entire server environment. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users share the same server instance or where untrusted applications are deployed. The implications are severe because it allows attackers to bypass traditional security controls and gain access to administrative interfaces that should only be accessible to authorized administrators. The vulnerability can lead to complete server compromise and data breaches, making it a high-priority issue for security teams managing Tomcat deployments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3376 should focus on immediate patching of affected Tomcat versions to 7.0.22 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the privilege escalation vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict access controls and ensure that only authorized personnel can deploy applications to production Tomcat instances. Network segmentation and proper firewall rules should be enforced to limit access to the Manager application's endpoints. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar access control flaws in web application servers. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive security monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to administrative interfaces. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular privilege reviews to minimize the impact of such vulnerabilities.