Apache Tomcat upgrade for 8.5.42

Question

Team,

We are currently using Jira Server Enterprise version 8.5.3. The bundled version of Apache Tomcat is 8.5.42. This version of Apache Tomcat is vulnerable. We read that the exploit is only possible if we are using an AJP connector, not the regular HTTP connector that is used by default in Jira.

However, we want to upgrade Apache tomcat version. Can someone please let us know if there will be issues if we upgrade Apache tomcat version. Also, can someone provide us the details on how to upgrade the bundled Apache tomcat version.

JP _AC Bielefeld Leader_ · Answer

Sure,

https://tomcat.apache.org/tomcat-8.5-doc/config/ajp.html

A simple google on tomcat 8.5 AJP would have done.

Best

JP

RianS · Answer

I have been looking at the vulnerabilities and the Atlassian documentation doesn't give much guidance if you rely on AJP for functionality. Do you have a link to the additional documentation on this security switch for AJP?

JP _AC Bielefeld Leader_ · Answer

Hi,

what connector are you using. As long as the default connector is used & the AJP connector is disabled in server.xml, you're fine. Even with AJP there is now a mandatory security switch to only allow authorized AJP clients (eg. Apache HTTPD) access to the AJP connector.

Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that an upgraded Tomcat server will run with Jira. I would stay with the bundled one & check my Tomcat configuration to tighten up security.

Best

JP