CVE-2019-0221: The SSI printenv command in Apache Tomcat 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.0.17, 8.5.0 to 8.5.39 and 7.0.0 to 7.0.93 echoes use

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MEDIUM 6.1WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2019-0221 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.1) affecting tomcat. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The SSI printenv command in Apache Tomcat 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.0.17, 8.5.0 to 8.5.39 and 7.0.0 to 7.0.93 echoes user provided data without escaping and is, therefore, vulnerable to XSS. SSI is disabled by default. The printenv command is intended for debugging and is unlikely to be present in a production website.

Why this priority

EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.1 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	59.2% (top 1%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-79
Published	2019-05-28
Last modified	2026-11-02

Publisher (CNA): Apache Software Foundation · Vendor: apache

Last updated 2026-11-02 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-05-28 22:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-11-02 18:18 UTCUpdated Record last modified

apache tomcat UPGRADE

Affected: >= 7.0.0 and <= 7.0.93 · >= 8.5.0 and <= 8.5.39 · >= 9.0.1 and <= 9.0.17 · 9.0.0 milestone1 · 9.0.0 milestone10 · 9.0.0 milestone11 · 9.0.0 milestone12 · 9.0.0 milestone13

Fixed in: newer than 9.0.17

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy tomcat || rpm -q tomcat || tomcat --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 9.0.17 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade tomcat

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade tomcat

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 7.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison tomcat sudo apt install tomcat=<VERSION_BEFORE_7.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold tomcat

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list tomcat sudo dnf downgrade tomcat-<VERSION_BEFORE_7.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add tomcat

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.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Apache Tomcat 9.0.0.M1 - Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Nuclei scan template: Apache Tomcat - Cross-Site Scripting

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-2019-0221?

tomcat: upgrade to newer than 9.0.17. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2019-0221 being exploited?

CVE-2019-0221 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-2019-0221 affect?

CVE-2019-0221 affects tomcat. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.1). The SSI printenv command in Apache Tomcat 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.0.17, 8.5.0 to 8.5.39 and 7.0.0 to 7.0.93 echoes user provided data without escaping and is, therefore, vulnerable to XSS. SSI is disabled by default. The printenv command is intende

How urgent is CVE-2019-0221?

Priority 56/100. EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

Apache Tomcat vulnerabilities

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References

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