CVE-2016-6816

What it is

The code in Apache Tomcat 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.0.M11, 8.5.0 to 8.5.6, 8.0.0.RC1 to 8.0.38, 7.0.0 to 7.0.72, and 6.0.0 to 6.0.47 that parsed the HTTP request line permitted invalid characters. This could be exploited, in conjunction with a proxy that also permitted the invalid characters but with a different interpretation, to inject data into the HTTP response. By manipulating the HTTP response the attacker could poison a web-cache, perform an XSS attack and/or obtain sensitive information from requests other then their own.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in, but needs a user to act. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

39.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS). Higher than most.

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2017-03-20 18:59 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 00:51 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 39.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.1 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2017-03-20 18:59 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 00:51 UTC

Exploit probability

39.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-20 · Improper input validation

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Apache Tomcat 6.0.0
• Apache Tomcat 6.0.1
• Apache Tomcat 6.0.2
• Apache Tomcat 6.0.3
• Apache Tomcat 6.0.4
• Apache Tomcat 6.0.5
• Apache Tomcat 6.0.6
• Apache Tomcat 6.0.7

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 7.1

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

Low

Availability

Low

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2016-6816.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2016-6816. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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