Executive brief
Apache Tomcat is a widely used web server and application container. A security flaw in its authentication mechanism allows unauthorized users to log in without providing a valid password when specific directory-based authentication settings are used. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive applications and data managed by the server.
Technical details
A vulnerability classified as CWE-304 (Missing Critical Step in Authentication) exists in Apache Tomcat's JNDIRealm component. When the JNDIRealm is configured to authenticate binds using the Generic Security Service Application Program Interface (GSSAPI), the authentication logic fails to properly verify credentials. This allows a remote attacker to successfully authenticate to the application without providing the correct password. The issue affects multiple major versions of Tomcat. Users are advised to upgrade to versions 11.0.5, 10.1.37, or 9.0.101 to remediate the flaw.
Affected products
- Apache Tomcat 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.4, 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.36, 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.100, 8.5.0 through 8.5.100, 7.0.0 through 7.0.109
Timeline
- 2026-06-29: disclosed
- 2026-06-29: advisory