Apache Struts: Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties
CVE-2023-50164 is a critical-severity files or directories accessible to external parties vulnerability in Apache Struts from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 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 2.5.32; 6.0.0 through 6.3.0.1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 80.8% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 0.37% of all scored CVEs.
Exploitation in the next 30 days is more likely than not, according to EPSS.
What to do
- Update Struts to 2.5.33 or 6.3.0.2, 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 2.5.32; 6.0.0 through 6.3.0.1 | Not stated |
| Apache | Struts | 2.0.0 up to, but not including, 2.5.33; 6.0.0 up to, but not including, 6.3.0.2 | 2.5.33, 6.3.0.2 |
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
- 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:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
Official description
An attacker can manipulate file upload params to enable paths traversal and under some circumstances this can lead to uploading a malicious file which can be used to perform Remote Code Execution. Users are recommended to upgrade to versions Struts 2.5.33 or Struts 6.3.0.2 or greater to fix this issue.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties
The product makes files or directories accessible to unauthorized actors, even though they should not be.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- When storing data in the cloud (e.g., S3 buckets, Azure blobs, Google Cloud Storage, etc.), use the provider's controls to disable public access.
More Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties vulnerabilities (CWE-552)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Third-party and government advisories
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/176157/Struts-S2-066-File-Upload-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20231214-0010/Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other references
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2023/12/07/1Mailing List
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 Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
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