Apache Struts: Incomplete Cleanup
CVE-2023-41835 is a high-severity incomplete cleanup vulnerability in Apache Struts from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 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: 2.0.0 through 2.5.31; 6.1.2.1 through 6.3.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 7.3% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 5.53% of all scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Struts to 2.5.32 or 6.3.0.1, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- 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 | 2.0.0 through 2.5.31; 6.1.2.1 through 6.3.0 | Not stated |
| Apache | Struts | 2.0.0 up to, but not including, 2.5.32; 6.1.2.1 up to, but not including, 6.3.0.1 | 2.5.32, 6.3.0.1 |
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
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- 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
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
When a Multipart request is performed but some of the fields exceed the maxStringLength limit, the upload files will remain in struts.multipart.saveDir even if the request has been denied. Users are recommended to upgrade to versions Struts 2.5.32 or 6.1.2.2 or Struts 6.3.0.1 or greater, which fixe this issue.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Incomplete Cleanup
The product does not properly clean up and remove temporary or supporting resources after they have been used.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Temporary files and other supporting resources should be deleted/released immediately after they are no longer needed.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
- lists.apache.org/thread/6wj530kh3ono8phr642y9sqkl67ys2ftMailing List, Release Notes
Third-party and government advisories
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2023/12/09/1Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
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
Recent Incomplete Cleanup vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.4 High severity
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