A critical vulnerability, CVE-2025-24813, in Apache Tomcat has recently emerged, presenting significant security risks for servers deploying this widely-used Java-based web application server. The flaw allows unauthenticated remote code execution, primarily under particular server configurations, and its impact has been exacerbated by the release of proof-of-concept exploit code. Following this development, security experts have noted an uptick in exploitation efforts targeting affected systems. As Java-based applications proliferate, this vulnerability potentially compromises millions of installations worldwide, including enterprise-level environments dependent on Apache Tomcat’s robust capabilities.
The vulnerability was disclosed in early 2025, setting off a wave of scrutiny and prompting immediate inclusion in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The vulnerability arises from Apache Tomcat’s handling of file paths processed during specific operations. This exposure affects numerous versions, with reports confirming its presence in Apache Tomcat 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.2, 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.34, and 9.0.0-M1 through 9.0.98. Additional analysis by cybersecurity firms has identified that certain 8.5.x versions are also susceptible, though initially omitted from official advisories.
Understanding the Path Equivalence Vulnerability
The CVE-2025-24813 vulnerability manifests through a path equivalence issue that exploits the way Apache Tomcat processes file paths internally, especially impacting systems with partial PUT requests and session file persistence. Slashes converted to dots in the server’s path mapping logic create an opportunity further exploited to access restricted directories and sensitive files. The nature of this flaw poses severe threats, as successful exploitation enables attackers to execute remote code, leak sensitive information, or inject malicious content that could alter critical server configuration files.
However, the likelihood of exploitation decreases in default settings due to specific prerequisites needed. For successful attacks, servers must have the default servlet’s readonly attribute set to false, allowing write access through HTTP PUT requests. Partial PUT functionality needs to be active, default file-based session persistence must be present, and a deserialization-vulnerable library should exist within the application. These conditions shape the attack vectors, requiring attackers to upload and trigger malicious serialized Java payloads through precise steps. Security incidences have revealed targeted attacks using randomized naming schemes for files, focusing on *.session paths. Attackers leverage PUT requests to deploy malicious payloads, which later exploit JSESSIONID cookies to trigger unauthorized code execution, thereby achieving their malicious objectives.
Mitigation Strategies and Impact Assessment
The public availability of proof-of-concept exploit code for CVE-2025-24813 has simplified the attack process for potential hackers, making it more accessible and posing a significant threat to unpatched systems. This exploitation code shows the complete process, demonstrating how tools generate malicious payloads that carry out commands like whoami or curl, facilitating unauthorized remote server interactions. It illustrates the practicality and risks of employing simple PUT requests to confirm server writability, further emphasizing the urgency of immediate patching. Enterprises are urged to upgrade to secure Apache Tomcat versions—11.0.3, 10.1.35, or 9.0.99—to mitigate risks. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unused HTTP methods, implementing strict access controls, and using Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) designed to identify CVE-2025-24813 exploitation attempts. Solutions like Akamai’s Adaptive Security Engine and Guardicore Segmentation Insight are among proactive responses to bolster defenses.
Despite the widespread availability of exploit code, the specificity of configuration requirements suggests broad exploitation remains less feasible. Research shows limited open-source projects have configurations vulnerable to such attacks. Nevertheless, the situation underlines the critical need for vigilance and prompt security protocol adherence to safeguard hosting environments.
Conclusion: Navigating the Threat Landscape
A major vulnerability, CVE-2025-24813, has recently been discovered in Apache Tomcat, posing significant security threats to servers using this popular Java-based web application server. The flaw permits unauthenticated remote code execution, especially under certain server setups. Its danger has been heightened by the release of proof-of-concept exploit code, leading to increased attempts to breach affected systems. As Java applications become more common, this vulnerability endangers millions of installations globally, including those in enterprise-level environments that rely on Apache Tomcat’s strong capabilities.
Disclosed in early 2025, the vulnerability triggered intense scrutiny and was promptly added to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. It stems from Apache Tomcat’s management of file paths during specific operations. This flaw affects a range of versions, including Apache Tomcat 11.0.0-M1 to 11.0.2, 10.1.0-M1 to 10.1.34, and 9.0.0-M1 to 9.0.98. Cybersecurity firms have also found vulnerabilities in some 8.5.x versions, initially excluded from official warnings.