Critical Tomcat Security Update: Patch These 3 High-Risk Vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-46701, CVE-2025-48988, CVE-2025-49125)

 

Critical Tomcat security update fixes 3 high-risk vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-46701, CVE-2025-48988, CVE-2025-49125) with CVSS scores up to 9.1. Learn how to patch SUSE Linux servers to prevent remote exploits, DoS attacks, and unauthorized access. Includes patch commands and mitigation steps.

Overview of the Tomcat Security Vulnerabilities

SUSE has released an important security update addressing three critical vulnerabilities in Apache Tomcat, a widely used open-source Java servlet container. These flaws could allow remote code execution (RCE), denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and unauthorized resource access if left unpatched.

Key Details of the Security Update

• Release Date: July 3, 2025

• Severity Rating: Important (CVSS scores up to 9.1)

• Affected Products:

  • SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 12 SP5

  • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5

  • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications 12 SP5

🔴 Urgent Action Required: Systems running vulnerable versions of Tomcat should be patched immediately to prevent exploitation.

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Detailed Breakdown of the Vulnerabilities

1. CVE-2025-46701 – CGI Servlet Resource Access Flaw (CVSS: 7.3)

• Impact: Attackers could bypass security restrictions and access sensitive files via manipulated CGI requests.

• Fix: The update refactors the CGI servlet to enforce proper resource access controls.

• Reference: SUSE Security Advisory

2. CVE-2025-48988 – Multi-Part Request DoS Vulnerability (CVSS: 8.7)

• Impact: Malicious actors could crash Tomcat servers by sending oversized or excessive multi-part headers.

• Fix: New limits on request parts and header sizes mitigate this attack vector.

• Reference: NVD Database Entry

3. CVE-2025-49125 – WebApp Mount Security Bypass (CVSS: 9.1)

• Impact: Improper path validation could allow attackers to deploy malicious web applications.

• Fix: Additional checks for webAppMount prevent unauthorized deployments.

• Reference: Bugzilla Report

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How to Apply the Tomcat Security Patch

Recommended Installation Methods

1. Via YaST Online Update (GUI method)

2. Using Zypper Patch Command (CLI method)

Patch Commands for Affected Systems

bash

# For SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 LTSS  
zypper in -t patch SUSE-SLE-SERVER-12-SP5-LTSS-2025-2214=1  

# For Extended Security Support  
zypper in -t patch SUSE-SLE-SERVER-12-SP5-LTSS-EXTENDED-SECURITY-2025-2214=1  

Updated Packages List

Package Name	Version
tomcat-9.0.36	3.145.1
tomcat-lib-9.0.36	3.145.1
tomcat-webapps-9.0.36	3.145.1
tomcat-admin-webapps-9.0.36	3.145.1

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Why This Update Matters for Enterprise Security

Apache Tomcat is a mission-critical component for Java-based web applications. Unpatched vulnerabilities can lead to:

✔ Data breaches (via unauthorized file access)

✔ Service disruptions (via DoS attacks)

✔ Compliance violations (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)

🔹 Best Practice: Enable automatic security updates or monitor advisories from SUSE Security.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this update relevant for non-SUSE Linux distributions?

A: While this advisory is SUSE-specific, other Linux distributions may have similar patches. Check with your vendor.

Q: Can these vulnerabilities be exploited remotely?

A: Yes—all three CVEs are network-exploitable (AV:N in CVSS).

Q: What’s the worst-case scenario if I don’t patch?

A: Attackers could take control of your Tomcat server, steal data, or crash services.