CVE-2019-0199 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2019-0199 affecting Apache Tomcat versions 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.14 and 8.5.0 to 8.5.37. Understand the DoS vulnerability, its impact, and mitigation steps.
Apache Tomcat versions 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.14 and 8.5.0 to 8.5.37 were affected by a flaw in the HTTP/2 implementation, leading to a Denial of Service (DoS) vulnerability.
Understanding CVE-2019-0199
This CVE entry pertains to a vulnerability in Apache Tomcat versions 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.14 and 8.5.0 to 8.5.37 that allowed for a DoS attack.
What is CVE-2019-0199?
The flaw in the HTTP/2 implementation in Apache Tomcat versions 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.14 and 8.5.0 to 8.5.37 enabled clients to keep streams open without reading or writing data, causing server-side threads to block and leading to thread exhaustion and a DoS.
The Impact of CVE-2019-0199
The vulnerability allowed malicious clients to exhaust server-side threads, resulting in a DoS condition that could disrupt the availability of the affected Apache Tomcat servers.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-0199
Apache Tomcat's vulnerability to a DoS attack through the HTTP/2 implementation.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw in Apache Tomcat versions 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.14 and 8.5.0 to 8.5.37 allowed clients to keep streams open without reading or writing data, leading to thread exhaustion and a DoS.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Apache Tomcat
- Versions: 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.14, 8.5.0 to 8.5.37
Exploitation Mechanism
- Malicious clients could exploit the flaw by keeping streams open without sending or receiving data, causing server-side threads to block and exhaust, resulting in a DoS.
Mitigation and Prevention
Steps to address and prevent the CVE-2019-0199 vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches provided by Apache Tomcat promptly.
- Monitor server performance for signs of unusual activity that may indicate a DoS attack.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch Apache Tomcat installations to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network-level protections to detect and mitigate DoS attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security updates and advisories from Apache Tomcat.
- Apply patches and updates as soon as they are released to address known vulnerabilities.