Apache Struts Remote Code Execution
CVE-2018-11776 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apache Struts from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Apache Struts versions: 2.3 to 2.3.34; 2.5 to 2.5.16. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on November 3, 2021, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Struts to 2.3.35 or 2.5.17, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update Communications Policy Management to 12.5.0 or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Read the advisory on oracle.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | Apache Struts | 2.3 to 2.3.34; 2.5 to 2.5.16 | Not stated |
| Apache | Struts | 2.0.4 up to, but not including, 2.3.35; 2.5.0 up to, but not including, 2.5.17 | 2.3.35, 2.5.17 |
| NetApp | Active Iq Unified Manager | 7.3 and later; 9.5 and later | Not stated |
| NetApp | Oncommand Insight | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| NetApp | Oncommand Workflow Automation | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| NetApp | Snapcenter | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Oracle | Communications Policy Management | before 12.5.0 | 12.5.0 |
| Oracle | Enterprise Manager Base Platform | 13.3.0.0; 13.4.0.0 | Not stated |
| Oracle | MySQL Enterprise Monitor | 3.4.9.4237 and earlier; 4.0.0 through 4.0.6.5281; 8.0.0 through 8.0.2.8191 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 | High | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 9.3 | High | NVD |
Official description
Apache Struts versions 2.3 to 2.3.34 and 2.5 to 2.5.16 suffer from possible Remote Code Execution when alwaysSelectFullNamespace is true (either by user or a plugin like Convention Plugin) and then: results are used with no namespace and in same time, its upper package have no or wildcard namespace and similar to results, same possibility when using url tag which doesn't have value and action set and in same time, its upper package have no or wildcard namespace.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/alert-cve-2018-11776-5072787.htmlThird Party Advisory
- oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuoct2018-4428296.htmlThird Party Advisory
- psirt.global.sonicwall.com/vuln-detail/SNWLID-2018-0012Third Party Advisory
- oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujan2019-5072801.htmlThird Party Advisory
Third-party and government advisories
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/172830/Apache-Struts-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/WW/S2-057Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
- security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20180822-0001/Third Party Advisory
- security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20181018-0002/Third Party Advisory
- oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujul2020.htmlThird Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2018-11776US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- github.com/hook-s3c/CVE-2018-11776-Python-PoCExploit, Third Party Advisory
- lgtm.com/blog/apache_struts_CVE-2018-11776Exploit, Third Party Advisory
- exploit-db.com/exploits/45260/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- exploit-db.com/exploits/45262/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- exploit-db.com/exploits/45367/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Apache Struts
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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