CVE-2012-4431: Cross-Site Request Forgery in Apache Tomcat
Summary
CVE-2012-4431: Cross-Site Request Forgery in Apache Tomcat. Affects org.apache.tomcat:tomcat across 2 version ranges.
>= 6.0.0, < 6.0.36
>= 7.0.0, < 7.0.32
Fixed in 6.0.36 or 7.0.32, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
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Background
Apache Tomcat is an open-source web server and servlet container that is used to execute Java servlets and render JavaServer Pages (JSPs). It provides a platform for running Java web applications. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4431 affects Apache Tomcat versions 6.x before 6.0.36 and 7.x before 7.0.32. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass the cross-site request forgery (CSRF) protection mechanism by sending a request that lacks a session identifier.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in Apache Tomcat arises from a flaw in the CsrfPreventionFilter.java file. This flaw enables remote attackers to bypass the CSRF protection mechanism implemented by the filter. By sending a request without a session identifier, attackers can trick the server into accepting the request as legitimate, potentially leading to unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of the attacker. This vulnerability has a moderate severity rating and is classified under CWE-352.
How To Fix
Fixed versions by release line
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
>= 6.0.0, < 6.0.366.0.36 -
>= 7.0.0, < 7.0.327.0.32
Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →
Workaround
As a workaround, developers can implement additional CSRF protection measures in their applications. This can include using anti-CSRF tokens, validating the origin of requests, and ensuring that all requests contain a valid session identifier. Implementing these measures can help mitigate the risk of CSRF attacks even if the underlying vulnerability in Apache Tomcat is present.
Conclusion
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4431 in Apache Tomcat allows remote attackers to bypass the CSRF protection mechanism. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to upgrade to the fixed versions of Apache Tomcat (6.0.36 or later for 6.x versions, and 7.0.32 or later for 7.x versions). Additionally, implementing additional CSRF protection measures in your applications can provide an extra layer of defense. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can reach out to DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.apache.tomcat:tomcat →
FAQ
Apache Tomcat is an open-source web server and servlet container that is used to execute Java servlets and render JavaServer Pages (JSPs). It provides a platform for running Java web applications.
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is an attack that tricks the victim into submitting a malicious request. It occurs when an attacker can force a user to perform unwanted actions on a web application in which they are authenticated.
The vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass the CSRF protection mechanism in Apache Tomcat. This can lead to unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of the attacker, potentially compromising the integrity and security of the affected web application.
You can use Vulert's playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in software using just the pom.xml file.
You can find more information about this vulnerability, including its CVE identifier and fix details, in the GitHub Advisory Database (https://github.com/github/advisory-database).
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