CVE-2025-55754 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-150 (Improper Neutralization of Escape, Meta, or Control Sequences) affecting Apache Tomcat versions 8.5.60 through 11.0.10. The flaw arises because Tomcat fails to properly escape ANSI escape sequences in log messages. When Tomcat runs in a Windows console environment that supports ANSI sequences, an attacker can craft a malicious URL that injects ANSI escape sequences into the console output. These sequences can manipulate the console display and the Windows clipboard, enabling social engineering attacks where an administrator might be tricked into executing commands controlled by the attacker. The vulnerability is notable because it leverages the console environment rather than direct code execution, relying on user interaction to trigger the attack. The issue affects multiple major Tomcat branches, including versions that were end-of-life at the time of discovery. The CVSS v3.1 score is 9.6 (critical), reflecting network attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction, and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability with scope change. No known exploits are currently in the wild, but the potential for severe impact exists. The recommended remediation is upgrading to fixed versions 11.0.11 or later, 10.1.45 or later, or 9.0.109 or later.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a critical risk especially for those running Apache Tomcat on Windows servers with console access. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized command execution via social engineering, compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This can result in data breaches, system manipulation, and potential lateral movement within networks. Given Apache Tomcat's widespread use in enterprise web applications and internal services across Europe, the vulnerability could affect sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. The attack vector requires user interaction but no authentication, increasing the risk in environments where administrators directly monitor Tomcat consoles. The clipboard manipulation aspect could facilitate credential theft or injection of malicious commands, amplifying the threat. Although no active exploits are reported, the high CVSS score and ease of exploitation warrant immediate attention to prevent potential targeted attacks.

Organizations should immediately identify all Apache Tomcat instances running affected versions, especially those on Windows platforms with console access. Upgrade to the patched versions 11.0.11+, 10.1.45+, or 9.0.109+ without delay. Where immediate upgrade is not feasible, restrict console access to trusted personnel only and disable ANSI escape sequence support in the console if possible. Implement strict monitoring and alerting on Tomcat logs for suspicious input patterns resembling escape sequences. Educate administrators about the risk of social engineering attacks leveraging console manipulation and clipboard injection. Employ endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous clipboard activity or command execution attempts. Regularly audit and harden server configurations to minimize attack surface, including limiting user interaction scenarios that could trigger the exploit. Finally, maintain an incident response plan tailored to quickly address any signs of compromise related to this vulnerability.