CVE-2024-52318: Apache Tomcat Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2024-52318 Overview

CVE-2024-52318 is an incorrect object recycling and reuse vulnerability affecting Apache Tomcat, a widely-deployed open-source Java servlet container. This flaw occurs when Tomcat improperly recycles and reuses internal objects, potentially allowing attackers to exploit stale or improperly reset data within the application server's request processing pipeline.

The vulnerability enables cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks through the improper handling of recycled objects, which could allow malicious scripts to be injected into web pages served by affected Tomcat instances. This poses a significant risk to organizations running vulnerable versions of Apache Tomcat in production environments.

Critical Impact

Attackers can potentially execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' sessions, leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions on behalf of legitimate users.

Affected Products

• Apache Tomcat 11.0.0
• Apache Tomcat 10.1.31
• Apache Tomcat 9.0.96

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-11-18 - CVE-2024-52318 published to NVD
• 2025-05-15 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-52318

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from an improper object lifecycle management issue within Apache Tomcat's request processing mechanism. When handling HTTP requests, Tomcat employs object pooling to improve performance by recycling request and response objects. However, in the affected versions, these objects are not properly cleaned or reset before being reused for subsequent requests.

The flaw is classified under CWE-326, though the primary exploitation vector manifests as a cross-site scripting vulnerability. When an attacker crafts malicious input that gets stored in a recycled object, this data may persist and be served to subsequent requests from other users, enabling reflected or stored XSS attacks.

The network-based attack vector requires user interaction, as victims must visit a page or click a link that triggers the exploitation of the recycled object containing malicious content. The vulnerability can affect the confidentiality and integrity of data across different security contexts, as indicated by the changed scope in its security assessment.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in the insufficient sanitization of recycled objects within Tomcat's internal object pool. When request or response objects are returned to the pool after processing a request, certain fields containing user-controlled data are not properly cleared. This allows data from one request to leak into subsequent requests, creating a condition where malicious content injected by an attacker can be served to other users.

Attack Vector

The attack exploits the network-accessible nature of Apache Tomcat web applications. An attacker can send specially crafted HTTP requests containing malicious JavaScript or HTML content. Due to the improper object recycling, this content may persist in memory and be served to subsequent users who access the same application.

The attack requires user interaction - a victim must trigger a request that receives the recycled object containing the attacker's payload. When rendered in the victim's browser, the malicious script executes within the context of the vulnerable application, potentially allowing the attacker to steal session cookies, capture credentials, or perform actions on behalf of the victim.

For detailed technical information about the exploitation mechanism, refer to the Apache Mailing List Thread and the Openwall OSS Security Post.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-52318

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP responses containing unexpected JavaScript or HTML content not matching application logic
• Web application firewall logs showing XSS patterns in server responses rather than requests
• User reports of unexpected behavior or pop-ups when accessing Tomcat-hosted applications
• Anomalous session activity suggesting potential session hijacking following XSS exploitation

Detection Strategies

• Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block common XSS payloads in both requests and responses
• Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate the impact of successful XSS exploitation
• Monitor Tomcat access logs for suspicious request patterns that may indicate probing for this vulnerability
• Use static analysis tools to audit custom web applications for improper handling of recycled objects

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging in Apache Tomcat to capture detailed request/response information for forensic analysis
• Configure real-time alerting for CSP violation reports that may indicate XSS attack attempts
• Monitor for unusual traffic patterns or request sequences that could indicate exploitation attempts
• Regularly review application logs for signs of injection attempts or anomalous behavior

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-52318

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Apache Tomcat 11.0.0 to version 11.0.1 immediately
• Upgrade Apache Tomcat 10.1.31 to version 10.1.32 immediately
• Upgrade Apache Tomcat 9.0.96 to version 9.0.97 immediately
• Implement strict Content Security Policy headers as a defense-in-depth measure
• Review and audit custom web applications for additional input validation requirements

Patch Information

Apache has released patched versions that address the incorrect object recycling vulnerability. Users should upgrade to the following fixed versions:

• Apache Tomcat 11.0.1 for installations running 11.0.0
• Apache Tomcat 10.1.32 for installations running 10.1.31
• Apache Tomcat 9.0.97 for installations running 9.0.96

For official patch details and download links, refer to the Apache Mailing List Thread. NetApp users should also consult the NetApp Security Advisory for product-specific guidance.

Workarounds

• Implement strict Content Security Policy headers to prevent inline script execution
• Deploy a web application firewall with XSS protection rules in front of Tomcat instances
• Enable HttpOnly and Secure flags on all session cookies to limit XSS impact
• Consider implementing output encoding at the application level as an additional safeguard

# Example: Adding Content Security Policy header in Tomcat's web.xml
# Add the following filter to your application's web.xml as a temporary mitigation

# For server.xml, ensure you have proper valve configuration:
# <Valve className="org.apache.catalina.valves.rewrite.RewriteValve" />

# Verify installed Tomcat version
catalina.sh version

# Restart Tomcat after applying patches
systemctl stop tomcat
systemctl start tomcat