Mitigation Instructions for Apache Tomcat SEoL (7.0.x)

Subject: End of Life for Apache Tomcat 7.0.x

Tech Stack:

• Apache Tomcat 7.0.x

Date Issued:

• Original Date: 2023-02-10
• Last Modified Date: 2024-05-06

Criticality:

• Severity: Critical
• Description: Apache Tomcat 7.0.x is no longer supported as of 31 March 2021, meaning it will not receive any security updates or bug fixes, making it vulnerable to potential security threats.

Overview:

• Apache Tomcat 7.0.x reached its end-of-life (EoL) on 31 March 2021. This means that no further updates, including security patches, will be provided. The lack of support leaves installations of this version exposed to any new vulnerabilities discovered after this date. It is crucial for organizations to upgrade to a supported version to ensure their systems remain secure.

Attack Mechanisms:

1. Exploitation of Known Vulnerabilities:
   • Attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities in Apache Tomcat 7.0.x that will no longer be patched, leading to unauthorized access or code execution.
2. Denial of Service:
   • Unpatched vulnerabilities may be exploited to crash the server, resulting in a denial of service.
3. Information Disclosure:
   • Vulnerabilities could be used to gain access to sensitive information processed by the server.

Affected Systems:

• Any system running Apache Tomcat 7.0.x.

Mitigation Solution:

1. Upgrade: Upgrade to a supported version of Apache Tomcat. Refer to the Tomcat official page for the latest supported versions.
2. Patch Management: Regularly apply patches and updates to all software components, including the web server and associated libraries.
3. Security Best Practices: Implement security best practices, such as regular security audits, using secure configurations, and disabling unnecessary features.

References:

• Apache Tomcat 7.0.x End of Life Announcement
• Apache Tomcat Security Page