Apache GhostcatCVE 2020-1938 - Safe Security

Research

Apache GhostcatCVE 2020-1938

CVE-2020-1938 exploits Tomcat’s AJP connector, allowing attackers to read sensitive data and execute critical actions if file uploads are enabled.

Key Pointers:

  • Understanding Tomcat connectors
  • Ghostcat vulnerability was found in the Tomcat AJP connector allowing an attacker to read or include any files in Tomcat’s web app directories
  • This vulnerability affects all versions of Tomcat in the default configuration which means that it has been dormant in Tomcat for more than a decade and hence needed to be updated or configured to prevent any attack
  • Taking a look at how to mitigate this vulnerability
  • Understanding the working of the exploit using an attack demonstration on a virtual target