Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/12/12/apache_struts_2_vuln/
Source: The Register
Title: Apache issues patches for critical Struts 2 RCE bug
Feedly Summary: More details released after devs allowed weeks to apply fixes
We now know the remote code execution vulnerability in Apache Struts 2 disclosed back in November carries a near-maximum severity rating following the publication of the CVE.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses a newly disclosed remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2024-53677) in Apache Struts 2, emphasizing its high severity ratings and potential impact on users. It underscores the necessity for immediate upgrades to mitigate risks and draws parallels with the infamous Equifax breach to highlight the importance of addressing such vulnerabilities.
Detailed Description:
The disclosed vulnerability in Apache Struts 2 (CVE-2024-53677) merits attention from security professionals due to its severity and potential for exploitation. The analysis of this vulnerability is significant for understanding risks associated with web application frameworks and the imperative of secure coding practices.
– **Severity Ratings**:
– The vulnerability has been rated 9.5 by the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) using the CVSSv4 framework.
– Tenable rated it even higher at 9.8 using CVSSv3, indicating a critical risk level.
– **Potential Exploitation**:
– Attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any user privileges.
– The remote execution capability poses risks to system confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
– **Lack of Workaround**:
– There is no available workaround, which forces users to apply the provided patch or be prone to attacks.
– **Historical Context**:
– There is a direct correlation drawn to the Equifax breach of 2017, which also involved vulnerabilities within Struts. This connection underscores the importance of vigilance and timely updates.
– **Affected Versions**:
– Specific versions vulnerable to exploitation range from Struts 2.0.0 up to Struts 6.3.0.2. Users of these versions are advised to upgrade to Struts 6.4.0 or greater to mitigate the risk.
– Applications without the deprecated File Upload Interceptor component remain unaffected.
– **Upgrade Complexity**:
– Transitioning requires users to rewrite their file upload actions to ensure compatibility with the newly recommended Action File Upload as the previous mechanism is deprecated due to various issues including security and performance.
– **Popularity and Risk Awareness**:
– Despite the availability of other frameworks, Struts 2 continues to have a considerable user base with about 300,000 downloads monthly, signifying ongoing risks.
– The CISA listing of several Apache Struts vulnerabilities highlights a broader concern for businesses relying on this framework.
The critical insights shared in this text emphasize the need for security updates and adherence to best practices in managing software vulnerabilities, particularly in highly used frameworks such as Apache Struts.