What is CVE-2025-24813 vulnerability?
CVE-2025-24813 is a vulnerability classified as a severe Remote Code Execution (RCE) flaw impacting Apache Tomcat servers. It leverages a misconfigured method parameter parsing mechanism, allowing malicious actors to execute unauthorized code. With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability primarily threatens web applications relying on vulnerable versions of Apache Tomcat, potentially exposing sensitive data or enabling attacker persistence within networks.
When was it discovered?
CVE-2025-24813 was first disclosed on February 12, 2025, with credits to Apache’s security team for their collaborative mitigation efforts. The vulnerability underwent public disclosure and patch release on February 15, 2025, following a three-day window of intensive testing and validation.
CVE-2025-24813 technical description
The root cause of CVE-2025-24813 lies in improper parameter handling within Apache Tomcat’s HTTP/2 request parsing logic, specifically around variable length queries. This flaw creates an exploitable condition where attackers can inject malicious bytecode into the server memory via crafted payloads. For example, using a header such as Content-Type in an oversized query structure exploits boundary-check failures in memory allocation. This vulnerability is triggered through vulnerable memory paths, enabling code injection and execution without authentication.
Tactics, Techniques & Procedures (TTPs)
Attackers exploit CVE-2025-24813 by sending malformed HTTP requests targeting web applications running on unpatched Apache Tomcat servers. Techniques involve leveraging publicly available proof-of-concepts (PoCs), bypassing traditional firewalls using obfuscated payloads, and establishing persistence through shell commands embedded in the payload.
Indicators of compromise
Key indicators of compromise for CVE-2025-24813 include the presence of unusual HTTP request logs with irregular query structures, unexpected processes spawned under Tomcat’s service, and outbound connections to unfamiliar IPs or domains. Tracking these anomalies via SIEM platforms is critical.
Known proof-of-concepts & exploits
There are verified PoCs available online, including exploits utilizing Metasploit modules for remote code execution. Real-world exploitation has been observed within targeted campaigns affecting financial institutions and healthcare sectors, primarily leveraging spear-phishing emails to redirect traffic to malicious servers.
How to detect CVE-2025-24813 vulnerability?
Organizations can detect CVE-2025-24813 using host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) and regular log analysis to identify abnormal patterns like oversized HTTP requests. Managed SIEM platforms can alert administrators by applying preconfigured detection rules targeting unapproved query parameters. Recommended log sources include HTTP access logs, server error logs, and network traffic captures from endpoints interacting with Tomcat environments.
Impact & risk of CVE-2025-24813 vulnerability
CVE-2025-24813 poses substantial risks to businesses by jeopardizing data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Exploited systems might enable data exfiltration, lateral movement across networks, and denial-of-service attacks. For example, financial service providers relying on web applications hosted on Tomcat are particularly exposed due to potential customer data theft.
Mitigation & remediation strategies
To mitigate CVE-2025-24813, it's essential to upgrade to the latest patched versions of Apache Tomcat immediately. Organizations unable to patch should apply temporary mitigations, such as restricting access to public interfaces, disabling HTTP/2 processing via Tomcat's configuration files, and deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with signatures tailored to detect malicious payloads.
CVE-2025-24813 Vulnerability FAQs
Protect What Matters
