How severe is CVE-2023-34981?

CVE-2023-34981 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.

Is CVE-2023-34981 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (65th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-34981?

CVE-2023-34981 primarily affects Apache Tomcat. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-34981?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2023-34981 published?

CVE-2023-34981 was published on 2023-06-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-34981

CVE-2023-34981 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apache Tomcat with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-732.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (65th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-732
Affected product: Apache Tomcat
Published: 2023-06-21
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A regression in the fix for bug 66512 in Apache Tomcat 11.0.0-M5, 10.1.8, 9.0.74 and 8.5.88 meant that, if a response did not include any HTTP headers no AJP SEND_HEADERS messare woudl be sent for the response which in turn meant that at least one AJP proxy (mod_proxy_ajp) would use the response headers from the previous request leading to an information leak.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-34981?: A regression in the fix for bug 66512 in Apache Tomcat 11.0.0-M5, 10.1.8, 9.0.74 and 8.5.88 meant that, if a response did not include any HTTP headers no AJP SEND_HEADERS messare woudl be sent for the response which in turn meant that at least one AJP proxy (mod_proxy_ajp) would use the response headers from the previous request leading to an information leak.
How severe is CVE-2023-34981?: CVE-2023-34981 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.
Is CVE-2023-34981 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (65th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-34981?: CVE-2023-34981 primarily affects Apache Tomcat. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-34981?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2023-34981 published?: CVE-2023-34981 was published on 2023-06-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:a:apache:tomcat:8.5.88:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:apache:tomcat:9.0.74:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:apache:tomcat:10.1.8:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:apache:tomcat:11.0.0:milestone5:*:*:*:*:*:*

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