CVE-2018-1304: Vulnerability in org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core

org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

17/10/2018

Disclosed on

CVE-2018-1304

CVE

Yes i

Fix available

Moderate

Severity

5.9

CVSS Score

CVE-2018-1304: Apache Tomcat unauthorized access vulnerability. Affects org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core across 4 version ranges.

>= 7.0.0, < 7.0.86 >= 8.0.0, < 8.0.51 >= 8.5.0, < 8.5.28 >= 9.0.0, < 9.0.5

Fixed in 4 releases; the minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run. How to fix ↓

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Background

The org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core package is a part of Apache Tomcat, an open-source web server and servlet container. It provides the core functionality for embedding Tomcat into other applications. This package is widely used in Java-based web applications to handle HTTP requests and serve web content.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1304 affects the org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core package. It arises from an issue in handling the URL pattern of the empty string, which maps to the context root. This flaw was present in Apache Tomcat versions 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.4, 8.5.0 to 8.5.27, 8.0.0.RC1 to 8.0.49, and 7.0.0 to 7.0.84 when used in security constraint definitions. As a result, security constraints with an empty string URL pattern were ignored, allowing unauthorized users to access protected web application resources. This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 5.9, indicating a moderate severity level.

How To Fix

Fixed versions by release line

The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.

>= 7.0.0, < 7.0.86 7.0.86
>= 8.0.0, < 8.0.51 8.0.51
>= 8.5.0, < 8.5.28 8.5.28
>= 9.0.0, < 9.0.5 9.0.5

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Workaround

If upgrading to a fixed version is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround can be implemented by modifying the security constraint definitions to use a non-empty URL pattern instead of the empty string. This will ensure that the constraints are properly applied and unauthorized access to protected resources is prevented. Here is an example of how the security constraint definition can be modified:

Before:

<security-constraint>
  <web-resource-collection>
    <web-resource-name>Protected Resources</web-resource-name>
    <url-pattern></url-pattern>
  </web-resource-collection>
  <auth-constraint>
    <role-name>admin</role-name>
  </auth-constraint>
</security-constraint>

After:

<security-constraint>
  <web-resource-collection>
    <web-resource-name>Protected Resources</web-resource-name>
    <url-pattern>/protected/*</url-pattern>
  </web-resource-collection>
  <auth-constraint>
    <role-name>admin</role-name>
  </auth-constraint>
</security-constraint>

Conclusion

In conclusion, the org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core package is vulnerable to CVE-2018-1304, which allows unauthorized access to protected web application resources. It is crucial to upgrade to the fixed versions or apply the provided workaround to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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