CVE-2003-0042 — tomcat
CVE-2003-0042 is a security vulnerability in org.apache.tomcat:tomcat. 1 public exploit or proof-of-concept reference is indexed, so weaponization risk is real. A fix is available for org.apache.tomcat:tomcat — see the affected versions and patch details below.
Jakarta Tomcat Directory Listing vulnerability
EPSS Exploitation Probability
Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days, from FIRST.org EPSS.
Real-World Exposure
org.apache.tomcat:tomcatReal-time download stats are indexed for npm and PyPI packages. This vulnerability affects Maven packages — download data is not available via public APIs for these ecosystems.
Description
Jakarta Tomcat before 3.3.1a, when used with JDK 1.3.1 or earlier, allows remote attackers to list directories even with an index.html or other file present, or obtain unprocessed source code for a JSP file, via a URL containing a null character.
Affected Packages
| Ecosystem | Package | Vulnerable range | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☕Maven | org.apache.tomcat:tomcat | all versions | 3.3.1aorg.apache.tomcat:tomcat:3.3.1a |
Affected Products
tomcatapacheResearch use only. For defensive security, authorized penetration testing, and academic research only. Never execute exploit code against systems without explicit written authorization.
Apache Tomcat 3.x - Null Byte Directory / File Disclosure
by Jouko Pynnönen · Jan 26, 2003
Detection & mitigation playbook
Open-source dependencyDetect
Scan your dependency tree (package-lock.json, pnpm-lock.yaml, requirements.txt, go.sum, etc.) for org.apache.tomcat:tomcat, including transitive dependencies — a direct dependency you never call can still pull in a vulnerable version.
Fix
Update org.apache.tomcat:tomcat to 3.3.1a or later, then make sure no transitive (indirect) dependency still pins the vulnerable range — O3 confirms CVE-2003-0042 is resolved across your whole dependency graph.
Workarounds
If you can't upgrade right away: gate or disable the affected feature, validate untrusted input at the boundary, and avoid passing attacker-controlled data into the vulnerable path. O3's runtime protection blocks exploitation in production as an interim safeguard until the upgrade lands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2003-0042 in your dependencies?
Find it across Maven, including transitive dependencies.