CVE-2006-1546 in Struts
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Software Foundation (ASF) Struts before 1.2.9 allows remote attackers to bypass validation via a request with a org.apache.struts.taglib.html.Constants.CANCEL parameter, which causes the action to be canceled but would not be detected from applications that do not use the isCancelled check.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1546 affects Apache Struts versions prior to 1.2.9, representing a significant security flaw in the popular web application framework. This issue stems from improper handling of cancellation parameters within the Struts action processing pipeline, creating a potential bypass mechanism that allows remote attackers to circumvent critical validation controls. The vulnerability specifically targets the org.apache.struts.taglib.html.Constants.CANCEL parameter, which when present in a malicious request, triggers an action cancellation that goes undetected by applications not explicitly checking for cancellation status.
The technical flaw manifests in the framework's validation mechanism where the presence of the CANCEL parameter causes the system to cancel the action execution without proper detection by application code. This creates a scenario where attackers can manipulate request parameters to bypass validation checks that should normally prevent unauthorized operations. The vulnerability operates at the application logic level, specifically within the action execution flow where the framework fails to properly validate or sanitize cancellation signals that could be exploited to skip security controls. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, as it allows unauthorized behavior through manipulation of expected control flow.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious risk to applications using Apache Struts, as it enables attackers to bypass validation mechanisms that are critical for maintaining application security. Applications that rely on Struts for form validation and data processing may be vulnerable to attacks that exploit this parameter manipulation to perform unauthorized operations. The impact extends beyond simple data validation bypass, as it can potentially allow attackers to execute actions that should be restricted or validated, leading to potential data integrity issues, unauthorized access, or privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates silently, with applications not using the isCancelled check remaining unaware of the bypass attempt.
Organizations utilizing affected Struts versions should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Struts 1.2.9 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly handle cancellation parameters. Additionally, developers should review their applications to ensure proper implementation of cancellation checks using the isCancelled method, as recommended by the Struts documentation. Security controls should be enhanced to monitor for unusual parameter patterns and implement additional validation layers beyond the framework's built-in mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper parameter validation and control flow management in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1210 for exploitation of remote services and T1078 for valid accounts usage. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules to detect and block malicious parameter manipulation attempts that exploit this specific vulnerability pattern.