CVE-2011-5057 in Struts
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Struts 2.3.1.1 and earlier provides interfaces that do not properly restrict access to collections such as the session and request collections, which might allow remote attackers to modify run-time data values via a crafted parameter to an application that implements an affected interface, as demonstrated by the SessionAware, RequestAware, ApplicationAware, ServletRequestAware, ServletResponseAware, and ParameterAware interfaces. NOTE: the vendor disputes the significance of this report because of an "easy work-around in existing apps by configuring the interceptor."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-5057 affects Apache Struts 2.3.1.1 and earlier versions, specifically targeting interfaces that manage runtime data access within web applications. This issue represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security boundaries of applications built on the Struts framework. The affected interfaces include SessionAware, RequestAware, ApplicationAware, ServletRequestAware, ServletResponseAware, and ParameterAware, which are fundamental components for managing application state and user interactions. These interfaces are designed to provide developers with access to various runtime collections and objects, but the vulnerability exposes them to unauthorized manipulation through crafted parameter inputs.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation and restriction of parameter inputs that flow into these awareness interfaces. When applications utilize these interfaces, they typically expect to receive legitimate runtime data objects such as session attributes, request parameters, or application context information. However, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious parameters that can modify the contents of these collections directly, bypassing normal access controls and data validation mechanisms. This represents a classic case of improper access control as classified under CWE-284, where insufficient restrictions on access to protected resources enable unauthorized modifications to application state.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it enables attackers to manipulate runtime data values that could affect application behavior, user sessions, or system integrity. An attacker could potentially modify session variables to escalate privileges, alter request parameters to gain unauthorized access to restricted functionality, or manipulate application context information to disrupt normal operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through simple parameter manipulation without requiring complex attack vectors, making it accessible to attackers with basic knowledge of web application exploitation techniques. This aligns with ATT&CK tactics that focus on privilege escalation and persistence through application-level vulnerabilities.
The vendor's response dismissing the severity of this report is problematic, as the vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in how the framework handles runtime data access. While the suggested workaround of configuring interceptors provides a potential mitigation path, it requires developers to be aware of the vulnerability and actively implement the fix, which may not occur in all deployed applications. The presence of such a vulnerability in widely used frameworks like Apache Struts demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in web application frameworks. The fact that this vulnerability affects core interfaces that are commonly used in application development makes it particularly concerning for organizations that rely on Struts-based applications for critical business functions. Organizations should not rely solely on vendor-provided workarounds but should also implement comprehensive security measures including proper input validation, access control restrictions, and regular security assessments of their web applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices in application frameworks and the potential consequences of insufficient access control mechanisms in web application development environments.