CVE-2018-8037 in Siebel UI Framework
Summary
by MITRE
If an async request was completed by the application at the same time as the container triggered the async timeout, a race condition existed that could result in a user seeing a response intended for a different user. An additional issue was present in the NIO and NIO2 connectors that did not correctly track the closure of the connection when an async request was completed by the application and timed out by the container at the same time. This could also result in a user seeing a response intended for another user. Versions Affected: Apache Tomcat 9.0.0.M9 to 9.0.9 and 8.5.5 to 8.5.31.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8037 represents a critical race condition affecting Apache Tomcat web servers, specifically impacting versions ranging from 9.0.0.M9 through 9.0.9 and 8.5.5 through 8.5.31. This flaw emerges from the complex interaction between asynchronous request processing and container timeout mechanisms, creating a scenario where concurrent operations can result in cross-user response contamination. The vulnerability operates within the fundamental architecture of web application servers where asynchronous processing is utilized to handle long-running requests, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users access shared resources simultaneously.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within Tomcat's connector components, specifically affecting both NIO and NIO2 connectors. When an asynchronous request completes simultaneously with the container's automatic timeout trigger, the system fails to properly manage connection state tracking. This race condition occurs because the application layer and container layer operate independently without adequate coordination, leading to scenarios where connection closure events are not properly registered or processed. The flaw manifests as a failure to maintain proper request context isolation, allowing response data intended for one user to be delivered to another user's session. This represents a direct violation of fundamental security principles related to data separation and user isolation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8037 extends beyond simple data leakage, potentially enabling session hijacking and cross-user data exposure attacks. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive information belonging to other authenticated users, effectively breaking the authentication and authorization boundaries that web applications depend upon. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the protocol level within the application server itself, meaning that successful exploitation does not require special privileges or complex attack vectors beyond normal web application interaction. The race condition nature makes this vulnerability difficult to detect through standard testing procedures, as it depends on precise timing and concurrent execution patterns that may not manifest consistently in controlled environments.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as mapping to CWE-367, which addresses Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) flaws, and potentially CWE-362, which covers race conditions in concurrent programming. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1071.004, which involves application layer protocols. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Tomcat versions, implementing the latest stable releases that contain fixes for the connection tracking and asynchronous request handling mechanisms. Additional mitigations include monitoring for unusual connection patterns, implementing proper request timeout configurations, and ensuring that application-level code properly handles asynchronous operations to minimize the window of vulnerability. The remediation process requires careful attention to ensure that the patched versions maintain application compatibility while addressing the underlying synchronization issues that enabled this cross-user response contamination.