CVE-2020-1938 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2020-1938 affecting Apache Tomcat versions 7.0.0 to 7.0.99, 8.5.0 to 8.5.50, and 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.0.30. Discover the impact, exploitation method, and mitigation steps.
Apache Tomcat versions 7.0.0 to 7.0.99, 8.5.0 to 8.5.50, and 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.0.30 are affected by a critical AJP Request Injection vulnerability allowing potential Remote Code Execution.
Understanding CVE-2020-1938
Apache Tomcat's AJP protocol trust issue can lead to various exploits, including arbitrary file retrieval and remote code execution.
What is CVE-2020-1938?
The vulnerability in Apache Tomcat allows attackers to manipulate AJP connections to execute malicious actions within the web application, potentially enabling remote code execution.
The Impact of CVE-2020-1938
The severity of this vulnerability lies in the ability to manipulate AJP connections to access and execute files within the web application, leading to potential remote code execution.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-1938
Apache Tomcat 7.0.0 to 7.0.99, 8.5.0 to 8.5.50, and 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.0.30 are vulnerable to AJP Request Injection, allowing unauthorized remote code execution.
Vulnerability Description
The AJP connector in Apache Tomcat defaults to high trust, potentially enabling remote attackers to manipulate web application files for remote code execution.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Apache Tomcat versions 7.0.0 to 7.0.99
- Apache Tomcat versions 8.5.0 to 8.5.50
- Apache Tomcat versions 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.0.30
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating AJP connections, allowing them to execute arbitrary files and potentially achieve remote code execution.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate mitigation involves disabling the AJP connector if not required and applying necessary upgrades to secure the system.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Disable the AJP connector if not essential for operation
- Upgrade to Apache Tomcat 9.0.31, 8.5.51, or 7.0.100 or later
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update Apache Tomcat to the latest version
- Implement network segmentation and access controls to restrict AJP access
- Monitor and log AJP traffic for suspicious activity
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security advisories and promptly apply updates to address known vulnerabilities.