CVE-2011-0534: Apache Tomcat Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Q: What is CVE-2011-0534?

CVE-2011-0534 is a security vulnerability in Apache Tomcat involving Apache Tomcat does not enforce the maxHttpHeaderSize limit under General Security Weakness.

Q: Which Apache Tomcat versions are affected?

Affected versions include releases prior to 6.0.32, 7.0.8 across affected packages: org.apache.tomcat:tomcat.

Q: What version fixes CVE-2011-0534?

Upgrading to 6.0.32, 7.0.8 (or the latest patched release for your respective branch) resolves the vulnerability.

Q: Is tomcat affected?

Yes, org.apache.tomcat:tomcat is affected in releases prior to 6.0.32, 7.0.8. Upgrade your dependency to 6.0.32, 7.0.8 or later.

Q: What is the CVSS score of CVE-2011-0534?

CVE-2011-0534 has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 (HIGH) with vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H.

Q: What CWE is associated with CVE-2011-0534?

CVE-2011-0534 is classified under General Security Weakness.

Q: How can I check Maven dependencies for CVE-2011-0534?

Run the dependency tree command: 'mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.apache.tomcat'. This command lists direct and transitive dependencies in your build configuration so you can verify if a vulnerable version is resolved.

HIGH

Advisory Identifier: GHSA-43v2-6grp-9pp9

CVSS 7.5

Published 2022-05-14

Advisory Summary

CVE-2011-0534 is a HIGH (CVSS 7.5) remote code execution vulnerability (General Security Weakness) affecting Apache Tomcat libraries in the Maven ecosystem. The issue involves apache tomcat does not enforce the maxhttpheadersize limit. Remediation is available by upgrading affected packages to version 6.0.32, 7.0.8.

CVE-2011-0534 at a Glance

CVE Identifier CVE-2011-0534

GHSA Identifier GHSA-43v2-6grp-9pp9

Severity HIGH

CVSS v3.1 Base Score 7.5

CWE Classification General Security Weakness

Affected Product Apache Tomcat

Package Ecosystem Maven

Published Date 2022-05-14

Last Updated 2024-02-21

Security Impact

CVSS: 7.5

The security impact metrics below are parsed directly from the CVSS v3.1 vector string (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H).

Attack Vector Network (AV:N)

Attack Complexity Low (AC:L)

Privileges Required None (PR:N)

User Interaction None (UI:N)

Scope Unchanged (S:U)

Confidentiality None (C:N)

Integrity None (I:N)

Availability High (A:H)

How to Fix CVE-2011-0534

To remediate this vulnerability, upgrade all affected Apache Tomcat dependencies to a patched release. Both direct and transitive dependencies should be checked, as frameworks or security libraries may pull in vulnerable versions transitively.

org.apache.tomcat:tomcat fixed: 6.0.32

<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
    <version>6.0.32</version>
</dependency>

org.apache.tomcat:tomcat fixed: 7.0.8

<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
    <version>7.0.8</version>
</dependency>

Verify Direct and Transitive Dependencies

Run the following command in your project directory to verify that all resolved dependencies use the patched release:

mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.apache.tomcat

How to Check if You Are Affected

To determine whether your Java application is affected by CVE-2011-0534, inspect your build dependencies using the Maven Dependency Plugin:

mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.apache.tomcat

Analyze the terminal output to locate any version of Apache Tomcat in your dependency tree. If any resolved version matches the vulnerable ranges listed in the table below (for example, versions earlier than 6.0.32), your application is affected.

Note: The mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.apache.tomcat command inspects the resolved dependency graph declared in your project's POM files; it does not perform automated security scanning or inspect runtime dynamic classpaths. Always verify runtime container classpaths and shaded JARs.

Technical Details

Vulnerability Mechanism & Technical Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under General Security Weakness. In Apache Tomcat, software state validation or input boundaries are circumvented during processing. Review the official source advisory statement below for specific affected components, classes, and reproduction details.

Source Advisory Statement

Apache Tomcat 7.0.0 through 7.0.6 and 6.0.0 through 6.0.30 does not enforce the maxHttpHeaderSize limit for requests involving the NIO HTTP connector, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (OutOfMemoryError) via a crafted request.

CVE-2011-0534 Affected Apache Tomcat Versions

2 component(s)

Fixed Versions:

6.0.327.0.8

Product / Package	Ecosystem	Affected Versions	Fixed Version
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat	Maven	≥ 6.0.0 < 6.0.32	6.0.32
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat	Maven	≥ 7.0.0 < 7.0.8	7.0.8

References

NVD — CVE-2011-0534 NVD

https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2011-0534

Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT

https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/008447095ce8c3a8f713093d5e618f3f06f94ea8

exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/651... WEB

https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/65162

Apache Tomcat Source Repository REPOSITORY

https://github.com/apache/tomcat

support.apple.com/kb/ht5002 WEB

https://support.apple.com/kb/HT5002

web.archive.org/web/20110801035315/... WEB

https://web.archive.org/web/20110801035315/http://secunia.com/advisories/45022

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

https://web.archive.org/web/20120120085637/http://securityreason.com/securityalert/8074

web.archive.org/web/20121024140440/... WEB

https://web.archive.org/web/20121024140440/http://secunia.com/advisories/43192

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

https://web.archive.org/web/20121212040149/http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1025027

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

https://web.archive.org/web/20131227020011/http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/46164

web.archive.org/web/20151017023138/... WEB

https://web.archive.org/web/20151017023138/http://secunia.com/advisories/57126

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

https://web.archive.org/web/20200517155748/http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/516214/100/0/threaded

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://lists.apple.com/archives/Security-announce/2011//Oct/msg00003.html

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2011-04/msg00000.html

marc.info/ WEB

http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=139344343412337&w=2

support.novell.com/docs/readmes/infodo... WEB

http://support.novell.com/docs/Readmes/InfoDocument/patchbuilder/readme_5098550.html

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://tomcat.apache.org/security-6.html#Fixed_in_Apache_Tomcat_6.0.32

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://tomcat.apache.org/security-7.html#Fixed_in_Apache_Tomcat_7.0.8_(released_5_Feb_2011)

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://www.debian.org/security/2011/dsa-2160

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2011-0534?

CVE-2011-0534 is a security vulnerability in Apache Tomcat involving Apache Tomcat does not enforce the maxHttpHeaderSize limit under General Security Weakness.

Which Apache Tomcat versions are affected?

Affected versions include releases prior to 6.0.32, 7.0.8 across affected packages: org.apache.tomcat:tomcat.

What version fixes CVE-2011-0534?

Upgrading to 6.0.32, 7.0.8 (or the latest patched release for your respective branch) resolves the vulnerability.

Is tomcat affected?

Yes, org.apache.tomcat:tomcat is affected in releases prior to 6.0.32, 7.0.8. Upgrade your dependency to 6.0.32, 7.0.8 or later.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2011-0534?

CVE-2011-0534 has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 (HIGH) with vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H.

What CWE is associated with CVE-2011-0534?

CVE-2011-0534 is classified under General Security Weakness.

How can I check Maven dependencies for CVE-2011-0534?

Run the dependency tree command: 'mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.apache.tomcat'. This command lists direct and transitive dependencies in your build configuration so you can verify if a vulnerable version is resolved.

Machine-readable OSV JSON OSV v1.5 Schema

Normalized schema output

View Raw JSON

{
  "schema_version" : "1.4.0",
  "id" : "GHSA-43v2-6grp-9pp9",
  "modified" : "2024-02-21T23:28:17Z",
  "published" : "2022-05-14T02:56:35Z",
  "aliases" : [ "CVE-2011-0534" ],
  "summary" : "Apache Tomcat does not enforce the maxHttpHeaderSize limit",
  "details" : "Apache Tomcat 7.0.0 through 7.0.6 and 6.0.0 through 6.0.30 does not enforce the maxHttpHeaderSize limit for requests involving the NIO HTTP connector, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (OutOfMemoryError) via a crafted request.",
  "severity" : [ {
    "type" : "CVSS_V3",
    "score" : "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H"
  } ],
  "affected" : [ {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "6.0.0"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "6.0.32"
      } ]
    } ],
    "database_specific" : {
      "last_known_affected_version_range" : "<= 6.0.30"
    }
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "7.0.0"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "7.0.8"
      } ]
    } ],
    "database_specific" : {
      "last_known_affected_version_range" : "<= 7.0.6"
    }
  } ],
  "references" : [ {
    "type" : "ADVISORY",
    "url" : "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2011-0534"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/008447095ce8c3a8f713093d5e618f3f06f94ea8"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/65162"
  }, {
    "type" : "PACKAGE",
    "url" : "https://github.com/apache/tomcat"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://support.apple.com/kb/HT5002"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20110801035315/http://secunia.com/advisories/45022"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20120120085637/http://securityreason.com/securityalert/8074"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20121024140440/http://secunia.com/advisories/43192"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20121212040149/http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1025027"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20131227020011/http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/46164"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20151017023138/http://secunia.com/advisories/57126"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20200517155748/http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/516214/100/0/threaded"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://lists.apple.com/archives/Security-announce/2011//Oct/msg00003.html"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2011-04/msg00000.html"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=139344343412337&w=2"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://support.novell.com/docs/Readmes/InfoDocument/patchbuilder/readme_5098550.html"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://tomcat.apache.org/security-6.html#Fixed_in_Apache_Tomcat_6.0.32"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://tomcat.apache.org/security-7.html#Fixed_in_Apache_Tomcat_7.0.8_(released_5_Feb_2011)"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://www.debian.org/security/2011/dsa-2160"
  } ],
  "database_specific" : {
    "cwe_ids" : [ ],
    "severity" : "HIGH",
    "github_reviewed" : true,
    "github_reviewed_at" : "2024-02-21T23:28:16Z",
    "nvd_published_at" : "2011-02-10T18:00:00Z"
  }
}

CVSS V3

7.5 HIGH

Attack Vector Network (AV:N)

Attack Complexity Low (AC:L)

Privileges Required None (PR:N)

User Interaction None (UI:N)

Scope Unchanged (S:U)

Confidentiality None (C:N)

Integrity None (I:N)

Availability High (A:H)

Vector String

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Advisory Metadata

Source ID: GHSA-43v2-6grp-9pp9
Schema Version: 1.4.0
Published: 2022-05-14 02:56
Last Modified: 2024-02-21 23:28
Database Record File: advisories/github-reviewed/2022/05/GHSA-43v2-6grp-9pp9/GHSA-43v2-6grp-9pp9.json