CVE-2026-59084 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Insufficient Technical Documentation vulnerability in Apache Tomcat since the requirements to securely configure the EncryptInterceptor were not clearly documented.
This issue affects Apache Tomcat: from 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.23, from 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.56, from 9.0.13 through 9.0.119, from 8.5.38 through 8.5.100, from 7.0.100 through 7.0.109. Other versions that have reached end of support may also be affected.
Users are recommended to upgrade to version 11.0.24, 10.1.57 or 9.0.120 which fix the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2026
The Insufficient Technical Documentation vulnerability in Apache Tomcat represents a critical gap in security configuration guidance that directly impacts the secure deployment of encryption interceptors within the application server. This weakness stems from inadequate documentation surrounding the EncryptInterceptor component, which is essential for implementing proper cryptographic protection mechanisms in web applications. The vulnerability exists across multiple major versions of Apache Tomcat, spanning from version 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.23, 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.56, 9.0.13 through 9.0.119, 8.5.38 through 8.5.100, and 7.0.100 through 7.0.109, indicating a widespread documentation deficiency that has persisted across different release branches for several years. This lack of clear guidance creates an environment where administrators may inadvertently configure encryption components incorrectly or fail to implement proper security measures, leaving applications vulnerable to cryptographic attacks and data breaches.
The technical flaw manifests as insufficient specification of requirements necessary for secure configuration of the EncryptInterceptor, which is a core component responsible for handling encrypted data within the Tomcat server architecture. Without proper documentation, system administrators cannot determine the correct parameters, key management practices, or security configurations needed to properly implement encryption interceptors. This deficiency creates a significant attack surface where malicious actors can exploit misconfigurations to bypass encryption protections, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data flowing through the application server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects both current and legacy versions of Tomcat, meaning organizations running older deployments may be exposed to attacks that could have been prevented with proper documentation. The weakness aligns with CWE-1004 which addresses insufficient documentation for secure configuration practices, and represents a direct violation of security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 controls related to system configuration management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple misconfiguration scenarios to encompass potential data exposure, compliance violations, and increased attack surface across enterprise environments. Organizations running affected Tomcat versions face significant risks when applications rely on encryption interceptors for protecting sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or financial transactions. The lack of clear documentation means that even security-conscious administrators may implement encryption features incorrectly, potentially creating false security assurances while leaving critical vulnerabilities unaddressed. This issue particularly affects environments where compliance with standards like PCI DSS, HIPAA, or SOX is required, as improper encryption configuration can result in regulatory violations and substantial financial penalties. The vulnerability also creates challenges for penetration testing and security audits where proper documentation of encryption implementation becomes critical for demonstrating adequate security controls. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this weakness maps to T1566 (Phishing) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) through the potential for exploitation of misconfigured encryption components that could facilitate data exfiltration or man-in-the-middle attacks.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to patched versions 11.0.24, 10.1.57, or 9.0.120 which contain corrected documentation and improved configuration guidance for the EncryptInterceptor component. This upgrade process should include comprehensive review of existing encryption configurations to ensure proper implementation of the newly documented requirements. Organizations should conduct thorough testing of upgraded systems to verify that encryption interceptors function correctly and that no regressions have been introduced. Additionally, security teams should implement mandatory documentation reviews as part of their configuration management processes to prevent similar issues with other components in the future. The fix addresses the root cause by providing clear, standardized documentation for secure configuration practices, aligning with industry standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks that require adequate technical documentation for security controls. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining comprehensive technical documentation as part of the security lifecycle, particularly for cryptographic components where misconfiguration can have catastrophic consequences for data protection and organizational security posture.