CVE-2009-0783: Apache Tomcat Exposure Of Sensitive Information To Vulnerability

MODERATE
Advisory Identifier: GHSA-hhjg-g8xq-hhr3
CVSS 4.2
CWE-200
Published
Advisory Summary

CVE-2009-0783 is a MODERATE (CVSS 4.2) exposure of sensitive information to vulnerability (CWE-200: Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor) affecting Apache Tomcat libraries in the Maven ecosystem. The issue involves exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor in apache tomcat. Remediation is available by upgrading affected packages to version 6.0.20.

CVE-2009-0783 at a Glance

CVE Identifier CVE-2009-0783
GHSA Identifier GHSA-hhjg-g8xq-hhr3
Severity MODERATE
CVSS v3.1 Base Score 4.2
CWE Classification CWE-200: Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor
Affected Product Apache Tomcat
Package Ecosystem Maven
Published Date
Last Updated

Security Impact

CVSS: 4.2

The security impact metrics below are parsed directly from the CVSS v3.1 vector string (CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L).

Attack Vector Local (AV:L)
Attack Complexity Low (AC:L)
Privileges Required High (PR:H)
User Interaction None (UI:N)
Scope Unchanged (S:U)
Confidentiality Low (C:L)
Integrity Low (I:L)
Availability Low (A:L)

How to Fix CVE-2009-0783

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: Latest secure release
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
    <version>Latest secure release</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat fixed: Latest secure release
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
    <version>Latest secure release</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat fixed: 6.0.20
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
    <version>6.0.20</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-2009-0783, 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 6.0.20), 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 CWE-200: Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor, where the product exposes sensitive information to an actor that is not explicitly authorized to have access to that information. 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 4.1.0 through 4.1.39, 5.5.0 through 5.5.27, and 6.0.0 through 6.0.18 permits web applications to replace an XML parser used for other web applications, which allows local users to read or modify the (1) web.xml, (2) context.xml, or (3) tld files of arbitrary web applications via a crafted application that is loaded earlier than the target application.

CVE-2009-0783 Affected Apache Tomcat Versions

3 component(s)
Fixed Versions:
6.0.20
Product / Package Ecosystem Affected Versions Fixed Version
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat
Maven
≥ 4.1.0
≤ 4.1.39
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat
Maven
≥ 5.5.0
≤ 5.5.27
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat
Maven
≥ 6.0.0
< 6.0.20
6.0.20

References

NVD — CVE-2009-0783 NVD
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2009-0783
www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-pac... WEB
https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2009-November/msg01246.html
www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-pac... WEB
https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2009-November/msg01216.html
www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-pac... WEB
https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2009-November/msg01156.html
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A6450
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A18913
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A10716
lists.apache.org/thread.html/rb71997... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/rb71997f506c6cc8b530dd845c084995a9878098846c7b4eacfae8db3@%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org/thread.html/rb71997... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/rb71997f506c6cc8b530dd845c084995a9878098846c7b4eacfae8db3%40%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org/thread.html/r584a71... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r584a714f141eff7b1c358d4679288177bd4ca4558e9999d15867d4b5@%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org/thread.html/r584a71... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r584a714f141eff7b1c358d4679288177bd4ca4558e9999d15867d4b5%40%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org/thread.html/r3aacc4... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r3aacc40356defc3f248aa504b1e48e819dd0471a0a83349080c6bcbf@%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org/thread.html/r3aacc4... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r3aacc40356defc3f248aa504b1e48e819dd0471a0a83349080c6bcbf%40%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org/thread.html/c62b0e3... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/c62b0e3a7bf23342352a5810c640a94b6db69957c5c19db507004d74@%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org/thread.html/c62b0e3... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/c62b0e3a7bf23342352a5810c640a94b6db69957c5c19db507004d74%40%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org/thread.html/8dcaf7c... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/8dcaf7c3894d66cb717646ea1504ea6e300021c85bb4e677dc16b1aa@%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org/thread.html/8dcaf7c... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/8dcaf7c3894d66cb717646ea1504ea6e300021c85bb4e677dc16b1aa%40%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org/thread.html/29dc6c2... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/29dc6c2b625789e70a9c4756b5a327e6547273ff8bde7e0327af48c5@%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org/thread.html/29dc6c2... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/29dc6c2b625789e70a9c4756b5a327e6547273ff8bde7e0327af48c5%40%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org/thread.html/06cfb63... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/06cfb634bc7bf37af7d8f760f118018746ad8efbd519c4b789ac9c2e@%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org/thread.html/06cfb63... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/06cfb634bc7bf37af7d8f760f118018746ad8efbd519c4b789ac9c2e%40%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E
issues.apache.org/bugzilla/show_bug.c... WEB
https://issues.apache.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=45933
issues.apache.org/bugzilla/show_bug.c... WEB
https://issues.apache.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=29936
exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/511... WEB
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/51195
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://lists.apple.com/archives/security-announce/2010//Mar/msg00001.html
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2009-07/msg00002.html
marc.info/ WEB
http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=127420533226623&w=2
marc.info/ WEB
http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=129070310906557&w=2
marc.info/ WEB
http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=136485229118404&w=2
secunia.com/advisories/35685 WEB
http://secunia.com/advisories/35685
secunia.com/advisories/35788 WEB
http://secunia.com/advisories/35788
secunia.com/advisories/37460 WEB
http://secunia.com/advisories/37460
secunia.com/advisories/42368 WEB
http://secunia.com/advisories/42368
sunsolve.sun.com/search/document.do WEB
http://sunsolve.sun.com/search/document.do?assetkey=1-26-263529-1
support.apple.com/kb/ht4077 WEB
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4077
svn.apache.org/viewvc WEB
http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?rev=652592&view=rev
svn.apache.org/viewvc WEB
http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?rev=681156&view=rev
svn.apache.org/viewvc WEB
http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?rev=739522&view=rev
svn.apache.org/viewvc WEB
http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?rev=781542&view=rev
svn.apache.org/viewvc WEB
http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?rev=781708&view=rev
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://tomcat.apache.org/security-4.html
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://tomcat.apache.org/security-5.html
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://tomcat.apache.org/security-6.html
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://www.debian.org/security/2011/dsa-2207
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://www.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDVSA-2009:136
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://www.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDVSA-2009:138
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://www.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDVSA-2010:176
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/504090/100/0/threaded
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/507985/100/0/threaded
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/35416
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1022336
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2009-0016.html
www.vupen.com/english/advisories/... WEB
http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/1856
www.vupen.com/english/advisories/... WEB
http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/3316
www.vupen.com/english/advisories/... WEB
http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2010/3056

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2009-0783?
CVE-2009-0783 is a security vulnerability in Apache Tomcat involving Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor in Apache Tomcat under CWE-200: Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor.
Which Apache Tomcat versions are affected?
Affected versions include releases prior to 6.0.20 across affected packages: org.apache.tomcat:tomcat.
What version fixes CVE-2009-0783?
Upgrading to 6.0.20 (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 Latest secure release, 6.0.20. Upgrade your dependency to Latest secure release, 6.0.20 or later.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2009-0783?
CVE-2009-0783 has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 4.2 (MODERATE) with vector string CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L.
What CWE is associated with CVE-2009-0783?
CVE-2009-0783 is classified under CWE-200: Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor (The product exposes sensitive information to an actor that is not explicitly authorized to have access to that information.).
How can I check Maven dependencies for CVE-2009-0783?
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
{
  "schema_version" : "1.4.0",
  "id" : "GHSA-hhjg-g8xq-hhr3",
  "modified" : "2025-04-09T19:47:30Z",
  "published" : "2022-05-02T03:18:15Z",
  "aliases" : [ "CVE-2009-0783" ],
  "summary" : "Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor in Apache Tomcat",
  "details" : "Apache Tomcat 4.1.0 through 4.1.39, 5.5.0 through 5.5.27, and 6.0.0 through 6.0.18 permits web applications to replace an XML parser used for other web applications, which allows local users to read or modify the (1) web.xml, (2) context.xml, or (3) tld files of arbitrary web applications via a crafted application that is loaded earlier than the target application.",
  "severity" : [ {
    "type" : "CVSS_V3",
    "score" : "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L"
  } ],
  "affected" : [ {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "4.1.0"
      }, {
        "last_affected" : "4.1.39"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "5.5.0"
      }, {
        "last_affected" : "5.5.27"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "6.0.0"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "6.0.20"
      } ]
    } ],
    "database_specific" : {
      "last_known_affected_version_range" : "<= 6.0.18"
    }
  } ],
  "references" : [ {
    "type" : "ADVISORY",
    "url" : "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2009-0783"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2009-November/msg01246.html"
  }, {
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    "url" : "https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2009-November/msg01216.html"
  }, {
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    "url" : "https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2009-November/msg01156.html"
  }, {
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    "url" : "https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A6450"
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  }, {
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    "url" : "https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/rb71997f506c6cc8b530dd845c084995a9878098846c7b4eacfae8db3@%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E"
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  }, {
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  }, {
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  }, {
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  }, {
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    "type" : "WEB",
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  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://lists.apple.com/archives/security-announce/2010//Mar/msg00001.html"
  }, {
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  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://secunia.com/advisories/35788"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://secunia.com/advisories/37460"
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    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://secunia.com/advisories/42368"
  }, {
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    "url" : "http://sunsolve.sun.com/search/document.do?assetkey=1-26-263529-1"
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  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?rev=681156&view=rev"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?rev=739522&view=rev"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?rev=781542&view=rev"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?rev=781708&view=rev"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://tomcat.apache.org/security-4.html"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://tomcat.apache.org/security-5.html"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://tomcat.apache.org/security-6.html"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://www.debian.org/security/2011/dsa-2207"
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    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/1856"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/3316"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2010/3056"
  } ],
  "database_specific" : {
    "cwe_ids" : [ "CWE-200" ],
    "severity" : "MODERATE",
    "github_reviewed" : true,
    "github_reviewed_at" : "2022-06-17T22:00:02Z",
    "nvd_published_at" : "2009-06-05T16:00:00Z"
  }
}