Published:2012/02/10  Last Updated:2012/02/10

JVN#79099262
Apache Struts 2 vulnerable to an arbitrary Java method execution

Overview

Apache Struts 2 contains an arbitrary Java method execution vulnerability.

Products Affected

  • Apache Struts versions prior to 2.2.3
  • Apache Struts versions 2.0.x

Description

Apache Struts 2 is a framework to create Java web applications.  Apache Struts 2 contains an arbitrary Java method execution vulnerability due to improper conversion in OGNL expression if a non-string property is contained in action.

Impact

If a remote attacker sends a malformed request parameter to a vulnerable system, an arbitrary Java method may be executed.  As a result, information such as environment variables may be disclosed, a denial-of-service (DoS) attack may be conducted, or an arbitrary OS command may be executed.

Solution

Update the Software
Apply the latest version according to the information provided by the developer.
The fix for this issue was contained in Apache Struts 2.2.3.1 released on September 2011.

According to the developer, Apache Struts 2.0.x is no longer supported, thus it is strongly recommended that users should upgrade to Apache Struts 2.3.x.

Vendor Status

Vendor Link
Apache Struts Apache Struts Releases
Apache Struts 2 Documentation S2-007
Struts 2 WW-3668 Vulnerability: User input is evaluated as an OGNL expression when there's a conversion error.

References

JPCERT/CC Addendum

This JVN publication was delayed to 2012/02/10 after the developer fix was developed. From the fiscal year 2011, JPCERT/CC is using a new vendor coordination procedure. This new procedure came from the recommendation of the fiscal year 2010 "Study Group on Information System Vulnerability Handling" aimed at more timely JVN publications.

Vulnerability Analysis by JPCERT/CC

Analyzed on 2012.02.10

Measures Conditions Severity
Access Required can be attacked over the Internet using packets
  • High
Authentication anonymous or no authentication (IP addresses do not count)
  • High
User Interaction Required the vulnerability can be exploited without an honest user taking any action
  • High
Exploit Complexity some expertise and/or luck required (most buffer overflows, guessing correctly in small space, expertise in Windows function calls)
  • Mid-High

Description of each analysis measures

Credit

Takeshi Terada of Mitsui Bussan Secure Directions, Inc. reported this vulnerability to IPA.
JPCERT/CC coordinated with the developer under Information Security Early Warning Partnership.

Other Information

JPCERT Alert
JPCERT Reports
CERT Advisory
CPNI Advisory
TRnotes
CVE CVE-2012-0838
JVN iPedia JVNDB-2012-000012