ExtraHop named a Leader in the 2025 Forrester Wave™: Network Analysis And Visibility Solutions

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DETECTION OVERVIEW

Ghostcat Exploit - CVE-2020-1938

Risk Factors

An attacker can only connect to these vulnerable versions of the Apache Tomcat server if the AJP port is open to external traffic. Attackers of any skill level can read a file from the application server, but a skilled attacker can perform a more sophisticated remote code execution (RCE) attack by recognizing an application that supports file uploads. A file read does not adversely affect the network but this activity can indicate that an attacker is preparing to escalate the attack, which can pose a significant threat to the network.

Category

Exploitation
Detection diagram
Next in Exploitation: GitLab CE and EE Exploit Attempt - CVE-2021-22205

Attack Background

Apache Tomcat is a Java servlet container that enables you to run Java applications on your web server over the Apache JServe Protocol (AJP). The Ghostcat vulnerability targets versions of Tomcat where the AJP port is enabled by default. Attackers can directly interact with Tomcat through the open port to retrieve configuration files, API tokens, and other data. If the targeted application accepts and stores JSP files, an attacker can even upload a file to perform remote code execution (RCE).

Mitigation Options

Upgrade Apache Tomcat to 7.0.100, 8.5.51, 9.0.31, or later

Configure firewalls to limit access to the AJP ports

Require AJP authentication by configuring the requiredSecret attribute on the Tomcat server

Disable the AJP port by commenting out <Connector port=”8009″ protocol=”AJP/1.3″ redirectPort=”8443″ /> in the Tomcat /conf/server.xml file

MITRE ATT&CK ID

Associated content

Announcing The Forrester Wave™: Network Analysis And Visibility Solutions, Q4 2025

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External
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