CVE-2011-2481: File modification in Apache Tomcat

org.apache.tomcat:tomcat Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

17/05/2022

Disclosed on

CVE-2011-2481

CVE

Yes i

Fix available

Moderate

Severity

Not published

CVSS Score

CVE-2011-2481: Apache Tomcat Allows Replacing of XML Parser. Affects org.apache.tomcat:tomcat versions >= 7.0.0, < 7.0.17. Fixed in 7.0.17. How to fix ↓

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Background

Apache Tomcat is an open-source web server and servlet container that is used to deploy Java-based web applications. It provides a Java Servlet and JavaServer Pages (JSP) environment for running web applications. The vulnerability in Apache Tomcat 7.0.x before 7.0.17 allows local users to read or modify the web.xml, context.xml, or tld files of arbitrary web applications. This vulnerability exists due to a regression of CVE-2009-0783.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in Apache Tomcat 7.0.x allows web applications to replace the XML parser used by other web applications. This enables a local user to read or modify the configuration files (web.xml, context.xml, or tld files) of arbitrary web applications. An attacker can craft a malicious application that is loaded earlier than the target application, allowing them to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or modify the behavior of the target application.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

7.0.17

This is the first release that contains the fix.

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Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the fix provided by upgrading to Apache Tomcat 7.0.17 or later.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in Apache Tomcat 7.0.x allows local users to read or modify the configuration files of arbitrary web applications. It is recommended to upgrade to Apache Tomcat 7.0.17 or later to fix this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.

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