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CVE Record

CVE-2017-12617: 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....

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.

HighCVSS 8.1Not KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This flaw lets an unauthenticated attacker upload a JSP file to certain Apache Tomcat servers when HTTP PUT is enabled. If the uploaded JSP is later requested, Tomcat executes its code. Business impact can include server takeover, data theft, service disruption, and use of the server as a foothold.

Executive priority

Prioritize exposed Tomcat servers with HTTP PUT enabled for immediate review and remediation. This is not merely information disclosure; the documented outcome is server-side code execution. If exposure is confirmed, handle as a potential compromise investigation, not only a patch task.

Technical view

CVE-2017-12617 affects Apache Tomcat 9.0.0.M1-9.0.0, 8.5.0-8.5.22, 8.0.0.RC1-8.0.46, and 7.0.0-7.0.81 when Default servlet writes are enabled, such as readonly=false. It is CWE-434 unrestricted upload, CVSS 8.1, network reachable, unauthenticated, high impact, but marked high attack complexity.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely where affected Tomcat versions are internet-facing or internally reachable and HTTP PUT is enabled for the Default servlet. Systems with default read-only behavior and no write-enabled web roots are less likely exposed.

Exploitation context

The source bundle lists public Exploit-DB references, so exploit information exists publicly. The bundle does not show CISA KEV listing or other cited evidence of active exploitation. Treat exposed systems as urgent because successful exploitation can execute attacker-supplied server-side code.

Researcher notes

Evidence is clear on affected ranges, precondition, weakness class, and impact. The bundle does not include a specific Apache fixed-version advisory text, so remediation should follow vendor or distribution guidance rather than assuming exact upgrade targets from this prompt alone.

Mitigation direction

  • Inventory Tomcat versions and flag affected ranges listed in the CVE.
  • Disable HTTP PUT where not required; keep Default servlet readonly enabled.
  • Apply Apache or OS vendor Tomcat updates from your distribution advisories.
  • Remove any unexpected JSP files from writable web application paths.
  • Restrict write access to deployed web roots and review proxy method filtering.

Validation and detection

  • Confirm Tomcat version is outside the affected ranges or vendor-patched.
  • Inspect Default servlet configuration for readonly=false or PUT enablement.
  • Review access logs for unexpected PUT requests and JSP retrievals.
  • Check deployed web roots for recently added or unauthorized JSP files.
  • Validate internet-facing and internal Tomcat endpoints block unwanted HTTP methods.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
8

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.

cwe · medium confidence lookup

CWE-434: File access and web shell behavior lookup

File traversal and upload weaknesses can lead teams to review file, web shell, execution, and collection telemetry. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.

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cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2017-12617 mapping review

Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
8.1 (3.1)
Known Exploited
No
Published

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

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

1CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
36Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
8.1CVSS 3.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H2.25.9Primary CVE score

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

8.1High
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2017-12617Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

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

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
Apache Software FoundationApache Tomcat9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.0, 8.5.0 to 8.5.22, 8.0.0.RC1 to 8.0.46, 7.0.0 to 7.0.81Listed
Weakness

CWE details

CWE-434

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.

CWE-434 · source CWE mapping

Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type

Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.

Open CWE intelligenceSame-CWE CVEs