CVE-2009-5120: The default configuration of Apache Tomcat in Websense Manager in Websense Web Security 7.0 and Web Filter 7.0

Routine

MEDIUM 4.3WATCHLISTDOWNGRADEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2009-5120 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.3) affecting websense web filter, websense web security. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The default configuration of Apache Tomcat in Websense Manager in Websense Web Security 7.0 and Web Filter 7.0 allows connections to TCP port 1812 from arbitrary source IP addresses, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via UTF-7 text to the 404 error page of a Project Woodstock service on this port.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.3 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.9% (top 39%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-16
Published	2012-08-23
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: websense

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2012-08-23 10:32 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:15 UTCUpdated Record last modified

websense websense web filter DOWNGRADE

Affected: 7.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy websense-web-filter || rpm -q websense-web-filter || websense-web-filter --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 7.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison websense-web-filter sudo apt install websense-web-filter=<VERSION_BEFORE_7.0> sudo apt-mark hold websense-web-filter

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list websense-web-filter sudo dnf downgrade websense-web-filter-<VERSION_BEFORE_7.0> sudo dnf versionlock add websense-web-filter

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

websense websense web security DOWNGRADE

Affected: 7.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy websense-web-security || rpm -q websense-web-security || websense-web-security --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 7.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison websense-web-security sudo apt install websense-web-security=<VERSION_BEFORE_7.0> sudo apt-mark hold websense-web-security

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list websense-web-security sudo dnf downgrade websense-web-security-<VERSION_BEFORE_7.0> sudo dnf versionlock add websense-web-security

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2009-5120?

websense web filter: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; websense web security: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2009-5120 being exploited?

CVE-2009-5120 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2009-5120 affect?

CVE-2009-5120 affects websense web filter, websense web security. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.3). The default configuration of Apache Tomcat in Websense Manager in Websense Web Security 7.0 and Web Filter 7.0 allows connections to TCP port 1812 from arbitrary source IP addresses, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct cro

How urgent is CVE-2009-5120?

Priority 35/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

Apache Tomcat vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2011-5102 HIGH 7.5 MITIGATE DOWNGRADE The Investigative Reports web interface in the TRITON management console in Websense Web Security 7.1 before H
CVE-2010-5149 MEDIUM 5.0 UPGRADE UPGRADE Websense Web Security and Web Filter before 6.3.3 Hotfix 27 and 7.x before 7.1.1 allow remote attackers to cau
CVE-2010-5148 MEDIUM 5.0 UPGRADE UPGRADE Websense Web Security and Web Filter before 7.1 Hotfix 21 do not set the secure flag for the Encrypted Session
CVE-2010-5147 MEDIUM 5.0 UPGRADE UPGRADE The Remote Filtering component in Websense Web Security and Web Filter before 6.3.3 Hotfix 18 and 7.x before 7
CVE-2010-5146 LOW 2.1 UPGRADE UPGRADE The Remote Filtering component in Websense Web Security and Web Filter before 7.1 Hotfix 66 allows local users

References

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