Used in attacks· fix by 2023-06-029.8Critical

Apache Tomcat

CVE-2016-8735

Apache Tomcat contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for remote code execution if JmxRemoteLifecycleListener is used and an attacker can reach Java Management Extension (JMX) ports. This CVE exists because this listener wasn't updated for consistency with the Oracle patched issues for CVE-2016-3427 which affected credential types.

What this means for your business

  • It affects Apache Tomcat. It matters if your company, or a supplier that handles your data, runs it.
  • Attackers are already using it. CISA added it to its list of flaws used in real attacks on 12 May 2023.
  • An attacker can use it remotely, over a network, without a login, and without anyone at your company clicking anything.
  • FIRST's prediction model gives it a 90% chance of attack attempts being seen in the next 30 days, ranking above 99% of all known flaws.

What to do

  1. 1Check whether your company or your suppliers run Apache Tomcat, and which version. The affected versions are listed further down this page.
  2. 2If you do, apply the vendor's fix. A patch or vendor advisory has been published.
  3. 3Treat it as urgent. US federal agencies must fix it by 2 June 2023. That deadline does not apply to private companies, but it shows how seriously CISA takes it.
  4. 4Because attackers have used it, check the affected systems for signs of a break-in, not only for the update.

Not sure if your company is exposed?

Fastnexa’s certified penetration testers can check whether attackers could use this flaw, or others like it, against your websites, apps and network. The full test is free for our first 10 founding clients until 31 December 2026.

Required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

CISA’s wording, unedited.

Scoring

CVSS
9.8 (v3.1)
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Assigned by
security@apache.org

Dates

Published
2023-05-12
Last modified
2026-08-25
Added to KEV
2023-05-12
Remediation due
2023-06-02
Sources
CISA KEV, NVD

Affected products

  • Apache Tomcat- 6.0.48, 7.0.0 - 7.0.73, 8.0 - 8.0.39, 8.5.0 - 8.5.7, 9.0.0
  • Canonical Ubuntu Linux16.04
  • Netapp 7-Mode Transition Toolall versions
  • Netapp Oncommand Insightall versions
  • Netapp Oncommand Shiftall versions
  • Netapp Snap Creator Frameworkall versions
  • Debian Debian Linux8.0
  • Redhat Jboss Enterprise Web Server3.0.0
  • Oracle Agile Engineering Data Management6.1.3, 6.2.0, 6.2.1.0
  • Oracle Agile Product Lifecycle Management9.3.5, 9.3.6
  • Oracle Communications Application Session Controller3.7.1, 3.8.0
  • Oracle Communications Instant Messaging Server10.0.1

As listed in the NVD configuration data. Not a statement about your estate.

References