CVE-2013-2071 in Secure Global Desktop
Summary
by MITRE
java/org/apache/catalina/core/AsyncContextImpl.java in Apache Tomcat 7.x before 7.0.40 does not properly handle the throwing of a RuntimeException in an AsyncListener in an application, which allows context-dependent attackers to obtain sensitive request information intended for other applications in opportunistic circumstances via an application that records the requests that it processes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2071 resides within the asynchronous request processing mechanism of Apache Tomcat 7.x versions prior to 7.0.40. This flaw specifically affects the AsyncContextImpl.java component which manages asynchronous operations within the servlet container. The vulnerability manifests when an application implements AsyncListener interfaces and throws RuntimeExceptions during asynchronous processing, creating a scenario where sensitive request data becomes accessible to unauthorized applications operating within the same container environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper exception handling within the asynchronous context management system. When a RuntimeException is thrown within an AsyncListener during asynchronous request processing, the Tomcat container fails to properly isolate the request context from other applications. This context leakage occurs because the container does not adequately clean up or secure the request state when exceptions propagate through the asynchronous listener chain, allowing subsequent applications to access request data that should remain isolated to the original application context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating opportunities for cross-application data leakage and potential privilege escalation within shared hosting environments. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious applications that monitor and record request information from other applications running on the same Tomcat instance. The context-dependent nature of this vulnerability means that exploitation requires specific conditions including the presence of applications that process and log request data, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant hosting scenarios where multiple applications share the same container resources.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure, and represents a classic case of inadequate context isolation in shared execution environments. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically the use of application layer attacks to gain unauthorized access to system resources. Organizations running affected Tomcat versions face significant risk when hosting multiple applications, as the vulnerability enables attackers to potentially access sensitive data such as user credentials, session tokens, and application-specific information that should remain confidential within their respective application boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2071 primarily involve upgrading to Apache Tomcat 7.0.40 or later versions where the asynchronous context handling has been properly corrected. System administrators should also implement strict application isolation measures, including container-level security controls and monitoring for unusual request processing patterns. Additionally, organizations should review their application code to ensure proper exception handling within AsyncListener implementations and consider implementing request context sanitization mechanisms to prevent unauthorized data access even in environments where upgrading is not immediately possible.