CVE-2005-4703
CVE-2005-4703 is a security vulnerability in apache tomcat. 3 public exploit references exist, so weaponization risk is real. O3 Security detects and blocks CVE-2005-4703 exploitation at runtime via eBPF exploit-chain detection and L7 egress monitoring, even on unpatched systems.
Apache Tomcat 4.0.3, when running on Windows, allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a request for a file that contains an MS-DOS device name such as lpt9, which…
Description
Apache Tomcat 4.0.3, when running on Windows, allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a request for a file that contains an MS-DOS device name such as lpt9, which leaks the pathname in an error message, as demonstrated by lpt9.xtp using Nikto.
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 4.0.3 - Requests Containing MS-DOS Device Names Information Disclosure
by security curmudgeon · Oct 14, 2005
Detection & mitigation playbook
Vendor / applianceDetect
Inventory every apache tomcat deployment and check each version against the affected-products list above. Because the exploit targets the running system rather than your application code, also watch for exploitation at the network and runtime layer — O3 flags the exploit behaviour from runtime telemetry and egress traffic even before a vulnerable build is confirmed.
Remediation status
No patch has shipped for CVE-2005-4703 yet — track the apache tomcat advisory for a fixed release and apply the workarounds below in the meantime.
Mitigate without a patch
Cut exposure now: restrict the management/admin interface to trusted networks, segment the device, and apply the vendor's recommended configuration mitigations and any WAF/IPS signature. O3's runtime protection blocks the exploit chain at execution, holding the line on unpatched or end-of-life systems until you can patch.
How O3 protects you
O3 detects and blocks CVE-2005-4703 exploitation at runtime: eBPF exploit-chain detection, plus L7 egress monitoring that catches the post-exploitation callback and severs the attacker's outbound channel.
Tailored to CVE-2005-4703. Runtime protection reduces exposure until a permanent patch is applied and verified — it complements patching, it doesn't replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2005-4703 being exploited in your environment?
O3's eBPF runtime sensors and L7 egress monitoring detect and block the CVE-2005-4703 exploit chain at execution — protecting unpatched and end-of-life systems until the vendor patch is applied.