CVE-2013-0346 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Apache Tomcat 7.x uses world-readable permissions for the log directory and its files, which might allow local users to obtain sensitive information by reading a file. NOTE: One Tomcat distributor has stated "The tomcat log directory does not contain any sensitive information."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0346 pertains to Apache Tomcat version 7.x where the log directory and its constituent files are configured with world-readable permissions. This configuration flaw represents a significant security concern within the context of information disclosure vulnerabilities, as it creates an unintended access vector for local users who may not possess legitimate authorization to view sensitive system data. The issue stems from the default installation settings where log files are created with overly permissive access controls, potentially exposing system information that could aid in further exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, which specifically addresses situations where critical system resources are assigned incorrect permissions that allow unauthorized access. The flaw operates at the file system level where the log directory permissions are set to allow read access for all users on the system, creating a potential information disclosure scenario that could be exploited by malicious local users. The technical implementation involves the default file permission settings that are applied during the Tomcat installation process, where the log directory typically receives permissions such as 755 or 644, which do not adequately restrict access to sensitive log information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as log files often contain sensitive data including user credentials, session identifiers, application errors, system configurations, and potentially database connection strings. Local users who can read these files may gain insights into system architecture, application behavior, and potential attack vectors that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's significance is further amplified when considering that log files frequently contain timestamps, user agent strings, and other metadata that can be used to correlate activities and identify system weaknesses.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1083: File and Directory Discovery and T1005: Data from Local System, where adversaries can systematically enumerate and collect sensitive information from the system. The impact is particularly concerning in environments where Tomcat serves multiple applications or where log files contain application-specific sensitive data. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader reconnaissance phase, where initial access is achieved through information gathering rather than direct exploitation. Organizations implementing security controls should ensure that log file permissions are properly configured to restrict access to authorized personnel only, and that regular audits verify these configurations remain intact.
The disputed nature of this vulnerability, as noted in the description, reflects ongoing debate within the security community regarding whether log files actually contain sensitive information that would justify the security concern. However, the potential for sensitive data to be present in log files, combined with the principle of least privilege, makes proper permission configuration essential. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of default security configurations and the need for organizations to conduct regular security assessments of their deployed applications and services. Proper mitigation involves implementing automated permission checks, configuring appropriate file system permissions, and ensuring that log files are stored in locations with restricted access controls. Organizations should also consider implementing centralized logging solutions that can better control access to sensitive information while maintaining the necessary audit capabilities for security monitoring and incident response activities.