CVE-2016-0763: Apache Tomcat Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Q: What is CVE-2016-0763?

CVE-2016-0763 is a security vulnerability in Apache Tomcat involving Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel in Apache Tomcat under CWE-940: Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel.

Q: Which Apache Tomcat versions are affected?

Affected versions include releases prior to 7.0.68, 8.0.32, 9.0.0.M3 across affected packages: org.apache.tomcat:tomcat.

Q: What version fixes CVE-2016-0763?

Upgrading to 7.0.68, 8.0.32, 9.0.0.M3 (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 7.0.68, 8.0.32, 9.0.0.M3. Upgrade your dependency to 7.0.68, 8.0.32, 9.0.0.M3 or later.

Q: What is the CVSS score of CVE-2016-0763?

CVE-2016-0763 has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.3 (MODERATE) with vector string CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L.

Q: What CWE is associated with CVE-2016-0763?

CVE-2016-0763 is classified under CWE-940: Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel (The product establishes a communication channel to handle an incoming request that has been initiated by an actor, but it does not properly verify that the request is coming from the expected origin.).

Q: How can I check Maven dependencies for CVE-2016-0763?

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.

MODERATE

Advisory Identifier: GHSA-9hjv-9h75-xmpp

CVSS 6.3

CWE-940

Published 2022-05-14

Advisory Summary

CVE-2016-0763 is a MODERATE (CVSS 6.3) remote code execution vulnerability (CWE-940: Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel) affecting Apache Tomcat libraries in the Maven ecosystem. The issue involves improper verification of source of a communication channel in apache tomcat. Remediation is available by upgrading affected packages to version 7.0.68, 8.0.32, 9.0.0.M3.

CVE-2016-0763 at a Glance

CVE Identifier CVE-2016-0763

GHSA Identifier GHSA-9hjv-9h75-xmpp

Severity MODERATE

CVSS v3.1 Base Score 6.3

CWE Classification CWE-940: Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel

Affected Product Apache Tomcat

Package Ecosystem Maven

Published Date 2022-05-14

Last Updated 2024-02-22

Security Impact

CVSS: 6.3

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

Attack Vector Network (AV:N)

Attack Complexity Low (AC:L)

Privileges Required Low (PR:L)

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-2016-0763

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: 7.0.68

<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
    <version>7.0.68</version>
</dependency>

org.apache.tomcat:tomcat fixed: 8.0.32

<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
    <version>8.0.32</version>
</dependency>

org.apache.tomcat:tomcat fixed: 9.0.0.M3

<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
    <version>9.0.0.M3</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-2016-0763, 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 7.0.68), 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-940: Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel, where the product establishes a communication channel to handle an incoming request that has been initiated by an actor, but it does not properly verify that the request is coming from the expected origin. 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

The `setGlobalContext` method in `org/apache/naming/factory/ResourceLinkFactory.java` in Apache Tomcat 7.x before 7.0.68, 8.x before 8.0.31, and 9.x before 9.0.0.M3 does not consider whether ResourceLinkFactory.setGlobalContext callers are authorized, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended SecurityManager restrictions and read or write to arbitrary application data, or cause a denial of service (application disruption), via a web application that sets a crafted global context.

CVE-2016-0763 Affected Apache Tomcat Versions

3 component(s)

Fixed Versions:

7.0.688.0.329.0.0.M3

Product / Package	Ecosystem	Affected Versions	Fixed Version
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat	Maven	≥ 7.0.0 < 7.0.68	7.0.68
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat	Maven	≥ 8.0.0 < 8.0.32	8.0.32
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat	Maven	≥ 9.0.0M1 < 9.0.0.M3	9.0.0.M3

References

NVD — CVE-2016-0763 NVD

https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-0763

Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT

https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/76ebc9007567c8326217dd94844540e1e27d8468

Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT

https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/c08641da04d31f730b56b8675301e55db97dfe88

Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT

https://github.com/apache/tomcat80/commit/0531f7aeff1999d362e0a68512a3517f2cf1a6ae

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

https://web.archive.org/web/20160404202803/http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1035069

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

https://web.archive.org/web/20160314101138/http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/83326

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20180531-0001

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201705-09

Apache Tomcat Source Repository REPOSITORY

https://github.com/apache/tomcat

lists.apache.org/thread.html/r9136ff... WEB

https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r9136ff5b13e4f1941360b5a309efee2c114a14855578c3a2cbe5d19c@%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E

lists.apache.org/thread.html/r9136ff... WEB

https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r9136ff5b13e4f1941360b5a309efee2c114a14855578c3a2cbe5d19c%40%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E

lists.apache.org/thread.html/343558d... WEB

https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/343558d982879bf88ec20dbf707f8c11255f8e219e81d45c4f8d0551@%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E

lists.apache.org/thread.html/343558d... WEB

https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/343558d982879bf88ec20dbf707f8c11255f8e219e81d45c4f8d0551%40%3Cdev.tomcat.apache.org%3E

h20566.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/pu... WEB

https://h20566.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/kb/docDisplay?docId=emr_na-c05324755

h20566.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/pu... WEB

https://h20566.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/kb/docDisplay?docId=emr_na-c05158626

h20566.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/pu... WEB

https://h20566.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/kb/docDisplay?docId=emr_na-c05150442

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

https://bto.bluecoat.com/security-advisory/sa118

access.redhat.com/errata/rhsa-2016:10... WEB

https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016:1088

access.redhat.com/errata/rhsa-2016:10... WEB

https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016:1087

lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-a... WEB

http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-announce/2016-March/179356.html

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-03/msg00047.html

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-03/msg00069.html

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-03/msg00085.html

rhn.redhat.com/errata/rhsa-2016-10... WEB

http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-1089.html

rhn.redhat.com/errata/rhsa-2016-25... WEB

http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2599.html

rhn.redhat.com/errata/rhsa-2016-28... WEB

http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2807.html

rhn.redhat.com/errata/rhsa-2016-28... WEB

http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2808.html

seclists.org/bugtraq/2016/feb/14... WEB

http://seclists.org/bugtraq/2016/Feb/147

svn.apache.org/viewvc WEB

http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?view=revision&revision=1725926

svn.apache.org/viewvc WEB

http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?view=revision&revision=1725929

svn.apache.org/viewvc WEB

http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?view=revision&revision=1725931

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://tomcat.apache.org/security-7.html

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://tomcat.apache.org/security-8.html

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://tomcat.apache.org/security-9.html

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://www.debian.org/security/2016/dsa-3530

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://www.debian.org/security/2016/dsa-3552

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://www.debian.org/security/2016/dsa-3609

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuoct2016-2881722.html

Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY

http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuoct2017-3236626.html

www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-3024-1 WEB

http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3024-1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-0763?

CVE-2016-0763 is a security vulnerability in Apache Tomcat involving Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel in Apache Tomcat under CWE-940: Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel.

Which Apache Tomcat versions are affected?

Affected versions include releases prior to 7.0.68, 8.0.32, 9.0.0.M3 across affected packages: org.apache.tomcat:tomcat.

What version fixes CVE-2016-0763?

Upgrading to 7.0.68, 8.0.32, 9.0.0.M3 (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 7.0.68, 8.0.32, 9.0.0.M3. Upgrade your dependency to 7.0.68, 8.0.32, 9.0.0.M3 or later.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2016-0763?

CVE-2016-0763 has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.3 (MODERATE) with vector string CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L.

What CWE is associated with CVE-2016-0763?

CVE-2016-0763 is classified under CWE-940: Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel (The product establishes a communication channel to handle an incoming request that has been initiated by an actor, but it does not properly verify that the request is coming from the expected origin.).

How can I check Maven dependencies for CVE-2016-0763?

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

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  "database_specific" : {
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    "severity" : "MODERATE",
    "github_reviewed" : true,
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    "nvd_published_at" : "2016-02-25T01:59:00Z"
  }
}

CVSS V3

6.3 MODERATE

Attack Vector Network (AV:N)

Attack Complexity Low (AC:L)

Privileges Required Low (PR:L)

User Interaction None (UI:N)

Scope Unchanged (S:U)

Confidentiality Low (C:L)

Integrity Low (I:L)

Availability Low (A:L)

Vector String

CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L

Advisory Metadata

Source ID: GHSA-9hjv-9h75-xmpp
Schema Version: 1.4.0
Published: 2022-05-14 01:18
Last Modified: 2024-02-22 19:41
Database Record File: advisories/github-reviewed/2022/05/GHSA-9hjv-9h75-xmpp/GHSA-9hjv-9h75-xmpp.json