MEDIUM
CVE-2009-5120
CWE-16Published: August 23, 2012· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
4.3
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
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.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2009-5120 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityM
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityP
AvailabilityNone
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:N/I:P/A:N
Affected Vendors & Products
websense2 product(s)
websense web filterwebsense web security
Source: NVD CPE · 2 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
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GitHub PoC Search
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Rapid7 / Metasploit
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PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
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Official Patches & Advisories
All References (2)
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2009-5120
CVSS Score4.3 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-16
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedAug 23, 2012
Related CVEs (CWE-16)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2009-5120 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.