CVE-2024-22029 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2024
Insecure permissions in the packaging of tomcat allow local users that win a race during package installation to escalate to root
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-22029 represents a critical privilege escalation issue within the Apache Tomcat packaging mechanism that exploits insecure file permissions during installation processes. This flaw specifically targets local users who can manipulate the installation sequence through race conditions, ultimately gaining root privileges on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from improper permission settings in the packaging files that allow unauthorized users to modify critical system components during the installation lifecycle.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition scenario where local users can exploit the timing window between file creation and permission setting during Tomcat package installation. When the package manager creates temporary files or directories without proper security controls, malicious users can attempt to replace these files with malicious counterparts before the installation process completes. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-367 category of Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) flaws, where the system checks for permissions or file existence at one point and then uses the file at a later point when the state may have changed. The race condition exploits the window where file permissions are not yet properly enforced, allowing attackers to manipulate the installation process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise for affected organizations. Local users who can successfully exploit this vulnerability gain root-level access to systems running vulnerable versions of Tomcat, potentially enabling them to install backdoors, modify system configurations, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent access. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges initially, making it an attractive target for attackers who may have gained access through other means and seek to elevate their privileges. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' and specifically addresses the exploitation of installation package weaknesses for privilege elevation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-22029 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening of the installation process. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Apache Tomcat where the packaging permissions have been corrected and proper race condition protections have been implemented. System administrators should verify that package installation processes properly set secure permissions on all created files and directories, implementing atomic operations where possible to prevent race conditions. The recommended approach includes implementing proper file permission controls during installation, using secure temporary file creation methods, and ensuring that all installation processes are atomic and resistant to manipulation. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for unauthorized package installation activities and establish secure baseline configurations for all Tomcat installations to prevent exploitation of similar packaging vulnerabilities. Security controls should also include regular vulnerability scanning and patch management processes to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other software packages that may be susceptible to the same class of attack.