CVE-2017-12615

HIGH KEV RANSOMWARE NUCLEI LAB

Apache Tomcat 7.0.0-7.0.79 - Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution via JSP Upload

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

CVE-2017-12615 is actively exploited and listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added March 25, 2022, with confirmed use in ransomware campaigns. EIP tracks 20 public exploits from researchers including xxlegend, lizhianyuguangming, tpt11fb. A Nuclei detection template is also available.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This exploit demonstrates a bypass for CVE-2017-12615 by uploading a JSP file via a crafted HTTP PUT request to Apache Tomcat, achieving remote code execution. The PoC leverages misconfigured readonly settings in the Default servlet.

Description

When running Apache Tomcat 7.0.0 to 7.0.79 on Windows with HTTP PUTs enabled (e.g. via setting the readonly initialisation parameter of the Default to false) it was possible to upload a JSP file to the server via a specially crafted request. This JSP could then be requested and any code it contained would be executed by the server.

Exploits (20)

exploitdb WORKING POC
by xxlegend · textwebappswindows
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42953

This exploit demonstrates a bypass for CVE-2017-12615 by uploading a JSP file via a crafted HTTP PUT request to Apache Tomcat, achieving remote code execution. The PoC leverages misconfigured readonly settings in the Default servlet.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat (versions with HTTP PUTs enabled and readonly=false)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: HTTP PUT method enabled · Default servlet readonly parameter set to false
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 284 stars
by lizhianyuguangming · remote
https://github.com/lizhianyuguangming/TomcatScanPro

This repository contains a Python-based exploit tool for Tomcat vulnerabilities, including CVE-2017-12615 and CNVD-2020-10487, with features for weak credential brute-forcing, WAR file deployment, and remote code execution via JSP shells.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat (multiple versions)
Auth required
Prerequisites: Target URL with exposed Tomcat manager interface · Valid or brute-forced credentials for authentication · Network access to the target
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 250 stars
by tpt11fb · poc
https://github.com/tpt11fb/AttackTomcat

This repository contains a Java-based tool for exploiting multiple Tomcat vulnerabilities, including CVE-2017-12615 (PUT method file upload). It includes both a GUI and command-line interface for testing and exploiting vulnerabilities such as file upload, weak authentication, and AJP file read/inclusion.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat (versions affected by CVE-2017-12615)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to vulnerable Tomcat instance · PUT method enabled on Tomcat · Python3 for AJP vulnerability testing
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 111 stars
by breaktoprotect · remote
https://github.com/breaktoprotect/CVE-2017-12615

This PoC demonstrates a file upload vulnerability in Apache Tomcat 7.0.0 to 7.0.79 on Windows, allowing remote code execution by bypassing file extension checks via a trailing '/' in the filename. The exploit uses the PUT method to upload a JSP file, which can then be executed on the server.

Classification
Working Poc 100%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat 7.0.0 to 7.0.79
No auth needed
Prerequisites: PUT method enabled on the Tomcat server
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 11 stars
by xiaokp7 · remote
https://github.com/xiaokp7/Tomcat_PUT_GUI_EXP

This is a GUI-based exploit tool for CVE-2017-12615, which allows arbitrary file upload via HTTP PUT method in Apache Tomcat. It includes functionality for vulnerability detection, command execution, and webshell upload.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat 7.0.0 - 7.0.79
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Tomcat with HTTP PUT method enabled · Target running on Windows · Network access to the target
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 11 stars
by mefulton · remote
https://github.com/mefulton/cve-2017-12615

This PoC exploits CVE-2017-12615, a file extension bypass vulnerability in Apache Tomcat 7.0.0-7.0.79, allowing arbitrary JSP file upload via PUT requests. It uploads a JSP file to the target server and executes it, demonstrating remote code execution (RCE) on Windows systems with PUT method enabled.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat 7.0.0-7.0.79
No auth needed
Prerequisites: PUT method enabled on the target Tomcat server · Windows target system · Network access to the Tomcat server
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 5 stars
by zi0Black · remote
https://github.com/zi0Black/POC-CVE-2017-12615-or-CVE-2017-12717

This PoC exploits CVE-2017-12615 (Tomcat PUT method RCE) by uploading a malicious JSP file containing a command execution payload. The script checks if the target is vulnerable before attempting exploitation.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat (versions with PUT method enabled)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Tomcat with PUT method enabled · Network access to the target
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 3 stars
by 1337g · remote
https://github.com/1337g/CVE-2017-12615

This PoC exploits CVE-2017-12615, a vulnerability in Apache Tomcat 7.0.0-7.0.79 where misconfigured PUT method access allows arbitrary JSP file upload and remote command execution. The script uploads a malicious JSP payload and provides an interactive shell.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat 7.0.0 - 7.0.79
No auth needed
Prerequisites: PUT method enabled in web.xml · Network access to target Tomcat server
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 2 stars
by wsg00d · remote
https://github.com/wsg00d/cve-2017-12615

This PoC exploits CVE-2017-12615, a PUT method vulnerability in Apache Tomcat, to upload a malicious JSP file. The JSP file allows remote command execution via a password-protected parameter.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat (versions with PUT method enabled, typically < 7.0.81, 8.0.47, 8.5.23, 9.0.1)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: PUT method enabled on Tomcat server · Network access to the target
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
github WORKING POC 1 stars
by vaishakhcv · perlpoc
https://github.com/vaishakhcv/CVE-exploits/tree/master/CVE-2017-12615_12617

This Perl script exploits CVE-2017-12615 and CVE-2017-12617 by uploading a JSP payload via a malformed PUT request to Apache Tomcat servers, bypassing restrictions to achieve remote code execution.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat 7.0.0-7.0.81, 8.0.0-8.0.46, 8.5.0-8.5.22, 9.0.0
No auth needed
Prerequisites: PUT method enabled on Tomcat server · network access to target
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 27, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 1 stars
by w0x68y · remote
https://github.com/w0x68y/CVE-2017-12615-EXP

This Go-based exploit targets CVE-2017-12615, a PUT method vulnerability in Apache Tomcat. It uploads a JSP webshell with command execution capabilities, accessible via a password-protected parameter.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat (versions affected by CVE-2017-12615)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Target server with vulnerable Apache Tomcat instance · Network access to the target · PUT method enabled on the server
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec STUB 1 stars
by ianxtianxt · poc
https://github.com/ianxtianxt/CVE-2017-12615

The repository contains only a README file with the CVE identifier and no exploit code or technical details. It is not a functional PoC.

Classification
Stub 10%
Attack Type
Other
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Theoretical
Target: unknown
No auth needed
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 1 stars
by BeyondCy · poc
https://github.com/BeyondCy/CVE-2017-12615

This repository contains a Java-based exploit for CVE-2017-12615, a remote code execution vulnerability in Apache Tomcat. The exploit allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on vulnerable Tomcat servers by leveraging a file upload vulnerability in the PUT method.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat 7.0.0 - 7.0.79
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the vulnerable Tomcat server · Tomcat server with PUT method enabled
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by netw0rk7 · poc
https://github.com/netw0rk7/CVE-2017-12615-Home-Lab

This repository provides a functional lab environment for CVE-2017-12615, demonstrating RCE via JSP upload in Apache Tomcat 7.0.79 with misconfigured `readonly=false`. It includes a Dockerized setup and step-by-step exploitation instructions.

Classification
Working Poc 100%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat 7.0.79
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to Tomcat server · HTTP PUT method enabled
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by Fa1c0n35 · poc
https://github.com/Fa1c0n35/CVE-2017-12615

This PoC demonstrates a PUT-based arbitrary file upload vulnerability in Apache Tomcat (CVE-2017-12615). The curl command uploads a JSP file to a vulnerable Tomcat server, enabling remote code execution.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat 7.x-7.0.79, 8.x-8.5.19, 9.x-9.0.0.M21
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Vulnerable Tomcat version with PUT method enabled · Network access to the target server
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by edyekomu · poc
https://github.com/edyekomu/CVE-2017-12615-PoC

This PoC exploits CVE-2017-12615 in Apache Tomcat by uploading a JSP file via HTTP PUT request, leading to remote code execution (RCE) if the servlet context is configured with `readonly=false`.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat (versions with HTTP PUT enabled and readonly=false)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Apache Tomcat with HTTP PUT method enabled · Servlet context configured with `readonly=false`
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by wudidwo · remote
https://github.com/wudidwo/CVE-2017-12615-poc

This PoC exploits CVE-2017-12615, a PUT method vulnerability in Apache Tomcat 7.0.0-7.0.79, allowing arbitrary JSP file upload. It uploads a test file and verifies success by checking if the file is accessible.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat 7.0.0-7.0.79
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Target must have PUT method enabled · Network access to the Tomcat server
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
github WORKING POC
by winterwolf32 · perlpoc
https://github.com/winterwolf32/CVE_Exploits-/tree/master/CVE-2017-12615_12617

This Perl script exploits CVE-2017-12615 and CVE-2017-12617 by uploading a JSP payload via a malformed PUT request to Apache Tomcat servers. It checks for vulnerability by verifying the HTTP response code and payload execution.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat 7.0.0-7.0.81, 8.0.0-8.0.46, 8.5.0-8.5.22, 9.0.0
No auth needed
Prerequisites: PUT method enabled on the target Tomcat server
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 27, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec STUB
by cved-sources · poc
https://github.com/cved-sources/cve-2017-12615

This repository is a stub for CVE-2017-12615, referencing a vulnerable Docker container setup for Apache Tomcat. It does not contain exploit code but points to external sources for vulnerable images.

Classification
Stub 90%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Theoretical
Target: Apache Tomcat (versions affected by CVE-2017-12615)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Access to a vulnerable Apache Tomcat instance · Network connectivity to the target
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by cyberharsh · poc
https://github.com/cyberharsh/Tomcat-CVE-2017-12615

This PoC demonstrates CVE-2017-12615, a vulnerability in Apache Tomcat 8.5.19 where misconfigured `readonly=false` allows arbitrary file upload via the PUT method. The exploit bypasses file extension restrictions by appending a trailing slash to the filename (e.g., `1.jsp/`).

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apache Tomcat 8.5.19
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Tomcat with `readonly=false` in DefaultServlet configuration · Network access to the Tomcat server
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →

Nuclei Templates (1)

Apache Tomcat Servers - Remote Code Execution
HIGHby pikpikcu
Shodan: title:"Apache Tomcat" || http.title:"apache tomcat" || http.html:"apache tomcat" || cpe:"cpe:2.3:a:apache:tomcat"
FOFA: body="apache tomcat" || title="apache tomcat"

References (20)

Core 20
Core References
Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory x_refsource_redhat
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:3114
Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_bid
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/100901
Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory x_refsource_redhat
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:0466
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry exploit x_refsource_exploit-db
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42953/
Exploit, Third Party Advisory x_refsource_misc
https://github.com/breaktoprotect/CVE-2017-12615
Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory x_refsource_redhat
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:3081
Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory x_refsource_redhat
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:3113
Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory x_refsource_redhat
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:3080
Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_sectrack
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039392
Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory x_refsource_redhat
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:0465
Third Party Advisory x_refsource_confirm
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20171018-0001/

Scores

CVSS v3 8.1
EPSS 0.9961
EPSS Percentile 99.9%
Attack Vector NETWORK
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CISA SSVC

Vulnrichment
Exploitation active
Automatable no
Technical Impact total

Lab Environment

COMMUNITY
Community Lab
docker pull tomcat:7.0.79-jre8
docker pull vulhub/tomcat:8.5.19
docker pull tomcat:7.0.79
+16 more repos

Details

CISA KEV 2022-03-25
VulnCheck KEV 2019-01-08
InTheWild.io 2020-03-17
ENISA EUVD EUVD-2018-0654
Ransomware Use Confirmed
CWE
CWE-434
Status published
Products (50)
apache/tomcat 7.0.0 - 7.0.79
Apache Software Foundation/Apache Tomcat 7.0.0 to 7.0.79
netapp/7-mode_transition_tool
netapp/oncommand_balance
netapp/oncommand_shift
org.apache.tomcat.embed/tomcat-embed-core 7.0.0 - 7.0.79Maven
redhat/enterprise_linux_desktop 6.0
redhat/enterprise_linux_desktop 7.0
redhat/enterprise_linux_eus 7.4
redhat/enterprise_linux_eus 7.5
... and 40 more
Published Sep 19, 2017
KEV Added Mar 25, 2022
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026