CVE-2016-0762: Apache Tomcat Observable Discrepancy Vulnerability
MODERATECVE-2016-0762 is a MODERATE (CVSS 5.9) observable discrepancy vulnerability (CWE-203: Observable Discrepancy) affecting Apache Tomcat libraries in the Maven ecosystem. The issue involves observable discrepancy in apache tomcat. Remediation is available by upgrading affected packages to version 9.0.0.M10, 7.0.72, 8.5.5, 8.0.37, 6.0.46.
CVE-2016-0762 at a Glance
Security Impact
CVSS: 5.9
The security impact metrics below are parsed directly from the CVSS v3.1 vector string (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
How to Fix CVE-2016-0762
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.
<dependency>
<groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
<artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
<version>9.0.0.M10</version>
</dependency>
<dependency>
<groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
<artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
<version>7.0.72</version>
</dependency>
<dependency>
<groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
<artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
<version>8.5.5</version>
</dependency>
<dependency>
<groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
<artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
<version>8.0.37</version>
</dependency>
<dependency>
<groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
<artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
<version>6.0.46</version>
</dependency>
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-2016-0762, 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 9.0.0.M10), 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-203: Observable Discrepancy, where the product behaves differently or sends different responses under different circumstances in a way that is observable to an unauthorized actor. 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
CVE-2016-0762 Affected Apache Tomcat Versions
5 component(s)| Product / Package | Ecosystem | Affected Versions | Fixed Version |
|---|---|---|---|
|
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat
|
Maven |
≥ 9.0.0M1
< 9.0.0.M10
|
9.0.0.M10
|
|
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat
|
Maven |
≥ 7.0.0
< 7.0.72
|
7.0.72
|
|
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat
|
Maven |
≥ 8.5.0
< 8.5.5
|
8.5.5
|
|
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat
|
Maven |
≥ 8.0.0.RC1
< 8.0.37
|
8.0.37
|
|
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat
|
Maven |
≥ 6.0.0
< 6.0.46
|
6.0.46
|
References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2016-0762?
Which Apache Tomcat versions are affected?
What version fixes CVE-2016-0762?
Is tomcat affected?
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2016-0762?
What CWE is associated with CVE-2016-0762?
How can I check Maven dependencies for CVE-2016-0762?
Machine-readable OSV JSON
OSV v1.5 Schema
{
"schema_version" : "1.4.0",
"id" : "GHSA-wxcp-f2c8-x6xv",
"modified" : "2024-02-22T19:37:20Z",
"published" : "2022-05-13T01:02:15Z",
"aliases" : [ "CVE-2016-0762" ],
"summary" : "Observable Discrepancy in Apache Tomcat",
"details" : "The Realm implementations in Apache Tomcat versions 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.0.M9, 8.5.0 to 8.5.4, 8.0.0.RC1 to 8.0.36, 7.0.0 to 7.0.70 and 6.0.0 to 6.0.45 did not process the supplied password if the supplied user name did not exist. This made a timing attack possible to determine valid user names. Note that the default configuration includes the LockOutRealm which makes exploitation of this vulnerability harder.",
"severity" : [ {
"type" : "CVSS_V3",
"score" : "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N"
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},
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}