CVE-2016-8735 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Remote code execution is possible with Apache Tomcat before 6.0.48, 7.x before 7.0.73, 8.x before 8.0.39, 8.5.x before 8.5.7, and 9.x before 9.0.0.M12 if JmxRemoteLifecycleListener is used and an attacker can reach JMX ports. The issue exists because this listener wasn't updated for consistency with the CVE-2016-3427 Oracle patch that affected credential types.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-8735 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting multiple versions of Apache Tomcat server software. This vulnerability specifically targets installations that utilize the JmxRemoteLifecycleListener component, which serves as a bridge between the application server and Java Management Extensions for remote monitoring and management capabilities. The flaw emerged from an inconsistency in how credential handling was implemented within the JMX remote lifecycle listener, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the failure to properly update the JmxRemoteLifecycleListener component to align with the security patch released for CVE-2016-3427 by Oracle. This Oracle vulnerability specifically addressed issues related to credential types and authentication mechanisms within Java's remote management interfaces. When Apache Tomcat implementations failed to synchronize their JMX remote lifecycle listener with these security updates, they retained vulnerable credential handling logic that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability operates at the authentication and authorization layer, where improper credential validation allows attackers to bypass normal security controls and gain elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers who can reach the JMX ports on vulnerable Tomcat installations can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the Tomcat process, which typically runs with significant system access. This creates a severe risk for organizations where Tomcat servers are exposed to untrusted networks or where insufficient network segmentation exists between management interfaces and production systems. The vulnerability affects all major Tomcat release lines, including the legacy 6.x series, 7.x, 8.x, 8.5.x, and the early 9.x development releases, making it particularly widespread across enterprise deployments.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to patched versions of Apache Tomcat that address this vulnerability, specifically versions 6.0.48, 7.0.73, 8.0.39, 8.5.7, and 9.0.0.M12 respectively. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict access to JMX ports, limiting exposure to trusted administrative networks only. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through application layer interfaces and CWE-287 for improper authentication. Security teams should monitor for unauthorized access attempts to JMX management interfaces and implement robust logging of JMX connection activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all Tomcat installations that may be using the vulnerable JmxRemoteLifecycleListener component and ensure proper patch management processes are in place to prevent similar issues in the future.