CVE-2025-46701 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE • 05/29/2025
Improper Handling of Case Sensitivity vulnerability in Apache Tomcat's GCI servlet allows security constraint bypass of security constraints that apply to the pathInfo component of a URI mapped to the CGI servlet.
This issue affects Apache Tomcat: from 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.6, from 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.40, from 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.104.
Users are recommended to upgrade to version 11.0.7, 10.1.41 or 9.0.105, which fixes the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-46701 represents a critical security flaw in Apache Tomcat's Generic CGI Interface (GCI) servlet implementation that stems from improper handling of case sensitivity in URI path components. This weakness specifically targets the pathInfo component of URIs that are mapped to the CGI servlet, creating a potential bypass mechanism for existing security constraints that should otherwise protect sensitive resources. The issue manifests when the servlet fails to properly normalize or validate case-sensitive path information, allowing attackers to manipulate URI components in ways that circumvent established access controls.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the servlet's inadequate processing of case variations within the pathInfo portion of incoming requests. When Apache Tomcat receives a request directed to a CGI servlet endpoint, it typically applies security constraints based on the complete URI path including pathInfo components. However, due to the flawed implementation, the system does not consistently treat pathInfo elements with the same case sensitivity requirements as other URI components, creating a discrepancy that attackers can exploit. This behavior aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper handling of case sensitivity in security-critical contexts, and represents a classic example of how seemingly minor implementation details can create significant security gaps.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple access control bypass, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to protected resources that are typically restricted through security constraints. When an attacker crafts a request with specific case variations in the pathInfo component, they may be able to traverse directories or access files that should normally be protected by existing security policies. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where CGI servlets are configured with restrictive security constraints, as the bypass mechanism could allow unauthorized execution of CGI scripts or access to sensitive data that should be protected by authentication and authorization mechanisms.
Organizations running affected versions of Apache Tomcat face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise to bypass existing security controls. The vulnerability affects multiple major versions including 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.6, 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.40, and 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.104, indicating a widespread exposure across the Tomcat ecosystem. Attackers could leverage this weakness to access sensitive information, execute unauthorized commands through CGI scripts, or potentially escalate privileges within affected applications. The security implications are particularly concerning for web applications that rely on Tomcat's CGI servlet functionality for dynamic content generation while maintaining strict access controls.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to the patched versions 11.0.7, 10.1.41, or 9.0.105, which contain the necessary code modifications to properly handle case sensitivity in pathInfo components. These updates address the core implementation flaw by ensuring that pathInfo elements are processed consistently with other URI components regarding case handling and security constraint evaluation. System administrators should prioritize this upgrade across all affected environments, particularly those hosting applications with sensitive data or critical business functionality. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify any custom configurations or third-party applications that might be leveraging the CGI servlet functionality and ensure proper patching of these components as well. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current software versions and the potential risks associated with legacy systems that may not receive timely security updates.