Understanding And Mitigating CVE-2025-48988 In Tomcat-embed-core-10.1.20.jar

by Viktoria Ivanova 77 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a critical security vulnerability, CVE-2025-48988, affecting the tomcat-embed-core-10.1.20.jar library. This is a high-severity issue, so let's break down what it means, how it impacts your projects, and what you can do to fix it. We aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this vulnerability to ensure your applications remain secure.

Vulnerable Library: tomcat-embed-core-10.1.20.jar

First off, let's identify the culprit. The vulnerability lies within the tomcat-embed-core-10.1.20.jar library, which is a core component of the Apache Tomcat embedded server. This library is crucial for running Java web applications, particularly those built using Spring Boot. Knowing exactly which component is affected is the first step in addressing the issue.

Core Tomcat Implementation

This library is part of the core Tomcat implementation. Tomcat, as you might know, is a widely used open-source web server and servlet container. It's essential for many Java-based web applications. The tomcat-embed-core is the embedded version, often used in Spring Boot applications to package the web server within the application itself, making deployment simpler.

Library Home Page: https://tomcat.apache.org/

For more details about Tomcat, you can always refer to the official Apache Tomcat website. It's a treasure trove of information, documentation, and updates. Keeping an eye on the official resources helps you stay informed about the latest releases, security patches, and best practices.

Dependency Path: /secretsForGH/pom.xml

The vulnerability was identified through the dependency path /secretsForGH/pom.xml. This path indicates the location of the project's Maven Project Object Model (POM) file, which is essentially the blueprint of your project’s dependencies. It’s crucial to audit your POM files regularly to ensure all dependencies are up to date and free from known vulnerabilities.

Vulnerable Library Path: /secretsForGH/pom.xml

Similar to the dependency path, the vulnerable library path points to the same POM file. This means the vulnerability is directly linked to the version of Tomcat embedded core specified in this POM file. Understanding this path helps you pinpoint exactly where the vulnerable library is being used in your project.

Dependency Hierarchy

Let's trace the path of this vulnerable library within the project's dependencies:

  • spring-boot-starter-web-3.2.5.jar (Root Library)
    • spring-boot-starter-tomcat-3.2.5.jar
      • :x: tomcat-embed-core-10.1.20.jar (Vulnerable Library)

The hierarchy shows that spring-boot-starter-web-3.2.5.jar depends on spring-boot-starter-tomcat-3.2.5.jar, which in turn includes the vulnerable tomcat-embed-core-10.1.20.jar. This is a common dependency chain in Spring Boot applications, where Tomcat is included as the default embedded server. Recognizing this structure helps you understand how the vulnerability propagates through your project.

Commit and Branch Information

This information tells us that the vulnerability was detected in a specific commit within the main branch. Knowing the commit hash allows you to trace back the exact changes that introduced the vulnerability. It's crucial for pinpointing the vulnerable code and assessing the impact.

Vulnerability Details for CVE-2025-48988

Now, let's dive into the specifics of the vulnerability itself. What exactly is CVE-2025-48988, and why is it considered high severity? Understanding the details will help you appreciate the potential risks and the urgency of addressing this issue.

Description: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling vulnerability in Apache Tomcat.

This vulnerability stems from a failure in Apache Tomcat to properly manage and limit resource allocation. Specifically, it falls under the category of **