Apache Tomcat Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Exploited · KEV 2022-03-25Metasploit moduleCVE-2017-12617CWE-434

Exploited since 2022-03-25. No WAF vendor names it yet. Our CRS test: partly blocked.

Edge rules

0/8

Our test

Partly blocked

CVSS

8.1

EPSS

100.0% Top 0.1%

Posts, 14d

Published

2017-10-03

When running Apache Tomcat versions 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.0, 8.5.0 to 8.5.22, 8.0.0.RC1 to 8.0.46 and 7.0.0 to 7.0.81 with HTTP PUTs enabled (e.g. via setting the readonly initialisation parameter of the Default servlet to false) it was possible to upload a JSP file to the server via a specially crafted request. This JSP could then be requested and any code it contained would be executed by the server.

Edge coverage

Claimed by vendors

CloudflareBefore feed historyOlder than its feedWe measured: passed AWSBefore feed historyOlder than its feedWe measured: passed Microsoft AzureNo public claimNot named Google CloudBefore feed historyOlder than its feedWe measured: partly FastlyBefore feed historyOlder than its feed F5Before feed historyOlder than its feed AkamaiNo public sourceNo public changelog OWASP CRSBefore feed historyOlder than its feed

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AI · answers from this page

Ask about CVE-2017-12617: who's covered, what to patch first, how vendors compare. I cite sources and won't help with attacks.

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Severity, decoded

CVSS 3.1

8.1High

High · 8.1 / 10

Exploitable over the network under specific conditions, with no privileges and no user interaction, leading to full loss of confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Over the internetNo login neededNo user actionHard to pull offFull compromise

How the score is built8 metrics

Attack vectorAn attacker can reach it over the internet; no access to your network needed.
Network
Attack complexityThe attack only works when conditions outside the attacker's control line up.
High
Privileges requiredNo account or login is needed.
None
User interactionNo one has to click or open anything; the attack works on its own.
None
ScopeThe damage stays within the vulnerable component.
Unchanged
Confidentiality impactAn attacker can read all data the affected component holds, or the most sensitive parts of it.
High
Integrity impactAn attacker can change any data or files the affected component protects.
High
Availability impactAn attacker can take the component down completely or keep it from serving anyone.
High

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

CISA's assessmentSSVC, from the CVE record

ExploitationActive

Attackers are exploiting this in the wild.

AutomatableNo

At least one step needs hands-on work, which slows mass attacks.

Technical impactTotal

A successful attack gives full control over the affected software or all of its data.

Public exploits

4 found

1 Metasploit2 Exploit-DB1 Scanner template0 GitHub PoCs

MetasploitTomcat RCE via JSP Upload Bypass2017-10-03 · exploit · rank Excellent · has check
Exploit-DBTomcat - Remote Code Execution via JSP Upload Bypass (Metasploit)2017-10-17 · remote · java · verified
Exploit-DBApache Tomcat < 9.0.1 (Beta) / < 8.5.23 / < 8.0.47 / < 7.0.8 - JSP Upload Bypass / Remote Code Execution (2)2017-10-09 · webapps · jsp · verified
NucleiCVE-2017-12617.yamldetection template, replayed in our lab

Links are to third-party code: never run it outside an isolated lab.

Timeline

2017-10-03
CVE published
CVE List
2017-10-03
Metasploit module published
Tomcat RCE via JSP Upload Bypass
2017-10-09
Exploit published on Exploit-DB
Apache Tomcat < 9.0.1 (Beta) / < 8.5.23 / < 8.0.47 / < 7.0.8 - JSP Upload Bypass / Remote Code Execution (2)
2022-03-25
Added to CISA KEV
Confirmed exploitation in the wild
2026-11-02
Our test: OWASP Core Rule Set blocked part of it
paranoia level 1, anomaly threshold 5, default CRS settings
2026-11-02
Our test: OWASP Core Rule Set blocked part of it
paranoia level 2, anomaly threshold 5, default CRS settings