CVE-2025-46701: 
Java vulnerability analysis and mitigation

A case sensitivity vulnerability (CVE-2025-46701) was discovered in Apache Tomcat's CGI servlet that allows attackers to bypass security constraints. The vulnerability affects Apache Tomcat versions 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.6, 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.40, and 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.104. The flaw was disclosed on May 29, 2025, and is classified as CWE-178 (Improper Handling of Case Sensitivity) (NVD, OSS-Security).

The vulnerability specifically impacts how Tomcat's CGI servlet handles case sensitivity in the pathInfo component of URLs mapped to the CGI servlet. When Tomcat is deployed on a case-insensitive file system (such as Windows or macOS), specially crafted URLs can bypass security constraints configured for the pathInfo. The vulnerability has received a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 (High) from CISA-ADP with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L (GBHackers, NVD).

The vulnerability allows unauthorized access to restricted CGI resources by bypassing security constraints through case manipulation in URLs. While the CGI servlet is disabled by default in all Tomcat versions, organizations that rely on CGI-based applications with strict access controls may be at risk of unauthorized access to protected resources (GBHackers).

The Apache Software Foundation has released patched versions: Tomcat 11.0.7, 10.1.41, and 9.0.105 to address the vulnerability. Organizations are recommended to upgrade to these versions immediately. For those not requiring CGI functionality, it is strongly recommended to ensure the CGI servlet remains disabled to reduce the attack surface (GBHackers).

The vulnerability was responsibly disclosed by security researcher Greg K, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance in mature, widely-used open-source projects. While classified as low severity by the Apache Software Foundation, the vulnerability has garnered attention due to its potential impact on organizations relying on CGI-based applications (GBHackers).