If you use Apache Tomcat anywhere in your infrastructure, stop and pay attention. A new vulnerability—CVE-2025-24813—has been found. And this isn’t some obscure bug. It’s one of those flaws that can give attackers full access to your systems, even without login credentials.
This CVE is serious. It affects Tomcat environments running in Microsoft Hyper-V setups, including cloud-based deployments that many businesses rely on for internal tools, customer apps, or admin portals.
If you’re running anything behind Tomcat—even a simple dashboard—you need to know what this vulnerability is, who it targets, and what you should be doing right now.
Let’s break it down in plain language.
What Is CVE-2025-24813?
CVE-2025-24813 is a remote code execution vulnerability discovered in Apache Tomcat. It affects how Tomcat handles specific types of virtualized networking when used with Microsoft Hyper-V.
In simple terms: someone can send crafted packets to a system running Tomcat, and they might be able to execute their own code on that machine. They don’t even need to be logged in.
This isn’t just theoretical. It’s already on the radar of security vendors and federal agencies. And given how widely Tomcat is used, the risk spreads fast across industries.
This is one of those Apache Tomcat vulnerabilities that doesn’t just affect developers—it hits the infrastructure level. VPN servers, SaaS apps, customer-facing portals, and even internal HR systems can be exposed if they’re built on Tomcat.
Why Tomcat? Why Now?
Apache Tomcat is everywhere. It’s one of the most popular servlet containers in the world. It’s lightweight, open-source, and used in thousands of apps.
That makes it a favorite target.
Combine that with the fact that many businesses don’t update it regularly, and attackers see easy wins. This specific vulnerability ties into how Tomcat interacts with Hyper-V networking features—something that’s harder to secure unless you know it’s a problem.
And now? It’s a problem.
Why CVE-2025-24813 Is a Big Deal?
This isn’t your average patch-and-move-on bug. CVE-2025-24813 lets someone run code on your server from the outside. If that happens, they can:
- Steal credentials
- Move laterally through your systems
- Change files or configurations
- Drop malware
- Or worse—stay hidden while watching your traffic
This level of control means the attacker doesn’t need to guess passwords. They don’t need to trick someone into clicking something. If your system is exposed, it’s vulnerable.
Who’s Affected?
Anyone running Apache Tomcat in a Hyper-V environment—especially if you’re using older versions or haven’t applied patches in a while.
It’s not just enterprise IT teams that need to worry. VPN service providers, white-label resellers, hosting companies, and B2B SaaS startups all use Tomcat somewhere—often without realizing it.
Your customer portal, admin dashboard, or reporting server could be exposed without showing any signs. That’s why it’s critical to understand what systems are impacted and to act fast.
How to Check If You’re Exposed to CVE-2025-24813?
First things first—check if you’re running an affected version of Apache Tomcat. According to multiple advisories, the issue impacts certain configurations running in Microsoft Hyper-V environments. If that’s your setup, you can’t assume you’re safe.
Step 1: Check Your Version
Log into your server and run:
$ ./catalina.sh versionIf the output shows an affected version (refer to Apache’s official patch advisory), you’ll need to dig deeper.
Step 2: Review Your Environment
This CVE only triggers in certain cases. Specifically, when Tomcat is paired with a specific Hyper-V virtual switch configuration. If you’re using NAT or Internal virtual networking, this risk may apply.
Step 3: Scan Your Systems
Use a vulnerability scanner like OpenVAS or Tenable. If you’re running web servers with public exposure, even a basic Nmap script can give you clues. Look for open ports, version headers, and any unexpected behavior.
How to Fix CVE-2025-24813 (And Fast)?
Here’s how to patch the issue properly and avoid the fallout.
Step 1: Apply the Official Patch
The Tomcat development team has already released a fix. Download the latest version from the Apache Tomcat website. Install it across all affected environments.
Avoid waiting for your package manager or OS vendor to catch up. In most cases, manual upgrades are faster.
Step 2: Restart and Test
Once the patch is in, restart your services. Then test everything—especially custom apps built on Tomcat. Look for any breaks or errors. If something doesn’t work, check config files or library versions.
Step 3: Document It
Track what you did, who did it, and when. This helps in audits and helps your team stay consistent across deployments.
Step 4: Harden Your Setup
Even after patching, limit what attackers can do if they get in. Use firewall rules to restrict Tomcat’s exposure. Set up role-based access to the admin console. Use logging and alerts to catch strange behavior early.
What Are CVE 2025 24813 Vulnerabilities Doing in the Wild?
There are early signs of CVE 2025 24813 vulnerabilities being tested in the wild. That means attackers are scanning the internet, looking for unpatched servers.
SecurityWeek and ZDI have already published warnings about suspicious traffic tied to this flaw. While a full exploit chain hasn’t been widely shared yet, the pattern is familiar—attackers try known exploits shortly after public disclosure, hoping some systems haven’t been updated.
Don’t be one of those systems.
Apache Tomcat Vulnerability History: This Isn’t the First
Tomcat has a long history of being targeted. In the past three years alone, we’ve seen:
- CVE-2023-28708 (path traversal issue)
- CVE-2022-23181 (session fixation risk)
- CVE-2021-33037 (RCE in certain connectors)
The takeaway? Apache Tomcat vulnerabilities keep showing up—and if your systems aren’t locked down, attackers will find a way in.
CVE-2025-24813 is just the latest example. But it’s serious because of how it bypasses standard login barriers. This is the kind of flaw that can lead to full compromise, especially if you run backend tools on exposed ports.
Mistakes That Let Vulnerabilities Like CVE-2025-24813 In
Even businesses that take security seriously fall into the same traps. Here’s what to avoid:
- Assuming automatic updates catch everything
They often don’t. Especially in customized environments. - Using outdated versions of Tomcat for “compatibility”
If your app breaks on the new version, fix the app. Don’t freeze the platform. - Not monitoring low-traffic servers
Just because a system isn’t used often doesn’t mean it’s not a target. - Patching production but forgetting staging or test nodes
Attackers don’t care where they get in. - Overlooking hybrid or legacy Hyper-V setups
This CVE hits virtual networks directly—don’t ignore older deployments.
Avoiding these mistakes is about discipline, not just tools.
What PureVPN Does to Keep White-Label Partners Safe?
We know that our partners run critical services under their own brand. And when your name is on the product, your reputation is on the line.
That’s why PureVPN:
- Keeps infrastructure up to date with regular patch cycles
- Monitors for vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-24813 across all environments
- Offers real-time status updates to white-label resellers
- Helps partners audit their deployment setups
- Works with security teams to isolate threats quickly
If you’re running your own VPN business, and you want to offer services without worrying about the next critical CVE—you should start with a platform built for resilience.
Don’t Wait for the Exploit to Land
CVE-2025-24813 isn’t about headlines. It’s about impact.
It targets a service many companies don’t think about often. And it does it in a way that’s fast, quiet, and hard to trace unless you’re ready for it.
Patch your systems. Test your setup. Watch your logs.
And if you’re running VPN or cloud services for clients—make sure you’re not the weak link.