CVE-2025-48988: Apache Tomcat Denial of Service Vulnerability

HIGH
Advisory Identifier: GHSA-h3gc-qfqq-6h8f
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CVSS 7.5
CWE-770
Published
Advisory Summary

CVE-2025-48988 is a HIGH (CVSS 7.5) denial of service vulnerability (CWE-770: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling) affecting Apache Tomcat libraries in the Maven ecosystem. The issue involves apache tomcat - dos in multipart upload. Remediation is available by upgrading affected packages to version 11.0.8, 10.1.42, 9.0.106.

CVE-2025-48988 at a Glance

CVE Identifier CVE-2025-48988
GHSA Identifier GHSA-h3gc-qfqq-6h8f
Severity HIGH
CVSS v3.1 Base Score 7.5
CWE Classification CWE-770: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling
Affected Product Apache Tomcat
Package Ecosystem Maven
Published Date
Last Updated

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-2025-48988

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-catalina fixed: 11.0.8 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat-catalina</artifactId>
    <version>11.0.8</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina fixed: 10.1.42 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat-catalina</artifactId>
    <version>10.1.42</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina fixed: 9.0.106 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat-catalina</artifactId>
    <version>9.0.106</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core fixed: 11.0.8 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat.embed</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat-embed-core</artifactId>
    <version>11.0.8</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core fixed: 10.1.42 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat.embed</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat-embed-core</artifactId>
    <version>10.1.42</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core fixed: 9.0.106 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat.embed</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat-embed-core</artifactId>
    <version>9.0.106</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina fixed: Latest secure release 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat-catalina</artifactId>
    <version>Latest secure release</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core fixed: Latest secure release 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat.embed</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat-embed-core</artifactId>
    <version>Latest secure release</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-2025-48988, 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 11.0.8), 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-770: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling, where the product allocates a reusable resource or group of resources on behalf of an actor without imposing any intended restrictions on the size or number of resources that can be allocated. 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

Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling vulnerability in Apache Tomcat. This issue affects Apache Tomcat: from 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.7, from 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.41, from 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.105. The following versions were EOL at the time the CVE was created but are known to be affected: 8.5.0 though 8.5.100. Other, older, EOL versions may also be affected. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 11.0.8, 10.1.42 or 9.0.106, which fix the issue.

CVE-2025-48988 Affected Apache Tomcat Versions

8 component(s)
Fixed Versions:
11.0.810.1.429.0.106
Product / Package Ecosystem Affected Versions Fixed Version
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina
maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat-catalina
Maven
≥ 11.0.0-M1
< 11.0.8
11.0.8
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina
maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat-catalina
Maven
≥ 10.1.0-M1
< 10.1.42
10.1.42
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina
maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat-catalina
Maven
≥ 9.0.0.M1
< 9.0.106
9.0.106
org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core
maven/org.apache.tomcat.embed/tomcat-embed-core
Maven
≥ 11.0.0-M1
< 11.0.8
11.0.8
org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core
maven/org.apache.tomcat.embed/tomcat-embed-core
Maven
≥ 10.1.0-M1
< 10.1.42
10.1.42
org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core
maven/org.apache.tomcat.embed/tomcat-embed-core
Maven
≥ 9.0.0.M1
< 9.0.106
9.0.106
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina
maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat-catalina
Maven
≥ 8.5.0
≤ 8.5.100
org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core
maven/org.apache.tomcat.embed/tomcat-embed-core
Maven
≥ 8.5.0
≤ 8.5.100

References

NVD — CVE-2025-48988 NVD
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-48988
Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT
https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/2b0ab14fb55d4edc896e5f1817f2ab76f714ae5e
Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT
https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/cdde8e655bc1c5c60a07efd216251d77c52fd7f6
Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT
https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/ee8042ffce4cb9324dfd79efda5984f37bbb6910
Apache Tomcat Source Repository REPOSITORY
https://github.com/apache/tomcat
lists.apache.org/thread/nzkqsok8t42q... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread/nzkqsok8t42qofgqfmck536mtyzygp18
lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce... WEB
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/07/msg00009.html
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
https://tomcat.apache.org/security-10.html
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
https://tomcat.apache.org/security-11.html
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
https://tomcat.apache.org/security-9.html
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/06/16/1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-48988?
CVE-2025-48988 is a security vulnerability in Apache Tomcat involving Apache Tomcat - DoS in multipart upload under CWE-770: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling.
Which Apache Tomcat versions are affected?
Affected versions include releases prior to 11.0.8, 10.1.42, 9.0.106 across affected packages: org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina, org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core.
What version fixes CVE-2025-48988?
Upgrading to 11.0.8, 10.1.42, 9.0.106 (or the latest patched release for your respective branch) resolves the vulnerability.
Is tomcat-catalina affected?
Yes, org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina is affected in releases prior to 11.0.8, 10.1.42, 9.0.106, Latest secure release. Upgrade your dependency to 11.0.8, 10.1.42, 9.0.106, Latest secure release or later.
Is tomcat-embed-core affected?
Yes, org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core is affected in releases prior to 11.0.8, 10.1.42, 9.0.106, Latest secure release. Upgrade your dependency to 11.0.8, 10.1.42, 9.0.106, Latest secure release or later.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2025-48988?
CVE-2025-48988 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-2025-48988?
CVE-2025-48988 is classified under CWE-770: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling (The product allocates a reusable resource or group of resources on behalf of an actor without imposing any intended restrictions on the size or number of resources that can be allocated.).
How can I check Maven dependencies for CVE-2025-48988?
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-h3gc-qfqq-6h8f",
  "modified" : "2025-11-03T21:34:01Z",
  "published" : "2025-06-16T15:32:28Z",
  "aliases" : [ "CVE-2025-48988" ],
  "summary" : "Apache Tomcat - DoS in multipart upload",
  "details" : "Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling vulnerability in Apache Tomcat.\n\nThis issue affects Apache Tomcat: from 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.7, from 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.41, from 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.105. The following versions were EOL at the time the CVE was created but are known to be affected: 8.5.0 though 8.5.100. Other, older, EOL versions may also be affected.\n\nUsers are recommended to upgrade to version 11.0.8, 10.1.42 or 9.0.106, which fix the issue.",
  "severity" : [ {
    "type" : "CVSS_V3",
    "score" : "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H"
  }, {
    "type" : "CVSS_V4",
    "score" : "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N"
  } ],
  "affected" : [ {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "11.0.0-M1"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "11.0.8"
      } ]
    } ],
    "database_specific" : {
      "last_known_affected_version_range" : "<= 11.0.7"
    }
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
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      }, {
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      } ]
    } ],
    "database_specific" : {
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    }
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
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      }, {
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      } ]
    } ],
    "database_specific" : {
      "last_known_affected_version_range" : "<= 9.0.105"
    }
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "11.0.0-M1"
      }, {
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      } ]
    } ],
    "database_specific" : {
      "last_known_affected_version_range" : "<= 11.0.7"
    }
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "10.1.0-M1"
      }, {
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      } ]
    } ],
    "database_specific" : {
      "last_known_affected_version_range" : "<= 10.1.41"
    }
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "9.0.0.M1"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "9.0.106"
      } ]
    } ],
    "database_specific" : {
      "last_known_affected_version_range" : "<= 9.0.105"
    }
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "8.5.0"
      }, {
        "last_affected" : "8.5.100"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "8.5.0"
      }, {
        "last_affected" : "8.5.100"
      } ]
    } ]
  } ],
  "references" : [ {
    "type" : "ADVISORY",
    "url" : "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-48988"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/2b0ab14fb55d4edc896e5f1817f2ab76f714ae5e"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/cdde8e655bc1c5c60a07efd216251d77c52fd7f6"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/ee8042ffce4cb9324dfd79efda5984f37bbb6910"
  }, {
    "type" : "PACKAGE",
    "url" : "https://github.com/apache/tomcat"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://lists.apache.org/thread/nzkqsok8t42qofgqfmck536mtyzygp18"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/07/msg00009.html"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://tomcat.apache.org/security-10.html"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://tomcat.apache.org/security-11.html"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://tomcat.apache.org/security-9.html"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/06/16/1"
  } ],
  "database_specific" : {
    "cwe_ids" : [ "CWE-770" ],
    "severity" : "HIGH",
    "github_reviewed" : true,
    "github_reviewed_at" : "2025-06-16T17:50:09Z",
    "nvd_published_at" : "2025-06-16T15:15:24Z"
  }
}