CVE-2011-5064 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE
DigestAuthenticator.java in the HTTP Digest Access Authentication implementation in Apache Tomcat 5.5.x before 5.5.34, 6.x before 6.0.33, and 7.x before 7.0.12 uses Catalina as the hard-coded server secret (aka private key), which makes it easier for remote attackers to bypass cryptographic protection mechanisms by leveraging knowledge of this string, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-1184.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-5064 represents a critical weakness in the HTTP Digest Access Authentication implementation within Apache Tomcat versions prior to the specified patches. This flaw specifically affects the DigestAuthenticator.java component that handles authentication requests using the HTTP Digest authentication mechanism. The vulnerability stems from the implementation using a hard-coded server secret value known as "Catalina" which serves as the private key for cryptographic operations. This hardcoded value creates a significant security risk because it eliminates the proper cryptographic randomization that should occur in authentication protocols, making the system susceptible to various attacks that exploit this predictable secret.
The technical flaw manifests in the Digest Access Authentication process where the server generates a response hash using a secret key that should be unique and unpredictable for each installation. When Tomcat uses the hardcoded string "Catalina" as the secret, attackers who discover this value can easily compute valid authentication responses without knowing the actual user credentials. This weakness directly impacts the cryptographic protection mechanisms designed to prevent unauthorized access, as the authentication process becomes vulnerable to replay attacks and credential guessing attempts. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and affects the integrity of the authentication system by providing attackers with a known secret that undermines the fundamental security properties of the digest authentication algorithm.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypasses, creating potential for broader system compromise within environments that rely on Tomcat's HTTP Digest authentication. Attackers can leverage this weakness to impersonate legitimate users and gain unauthorized access to protected resources, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, and system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple major versions of Tomcat, creating widespread exposure across numerous production environments. Organizations using affected versions face increased risk of unauthorized access to web applications, especially in scenarios where the digest authentication is used as a primary or secondary authentication mechanism alongside other security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5064 require immediate patching of affected Tomcat installations to the recommended versions that contain the fixed DigestAuthenticator implementation. Organizations should also consider implementing additional authentication layers or migrating to stronger authentication mechanisms such as HTTP Basic Authentication with SSL/TLS, OAuth, or SAML-based solutions. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of their Tomcat deployments to identify all affected instances and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-326 which addresses the use of weak encryption algorithms and improper cryptographic key management, while also relating to ATT&CK technique T1110.003 for credential access through brute force methods. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish proper incident response procedures for authentication-related security events.