CVE-2012-1007 in Struts
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Apache Struts 1.3.10 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the name parameter to struts-examples/upload/upload-submit.do, or the message parameter to (2) struts-cookbook/processSimple.do or (3) struts-cookbook/processDyna.do.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1007 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Apache Struts version 1.3.10, a widely deployed Java web application framework that has been instrumental in building enterprise-level web applications since its inception. This vulnerability specifically affects the struts-examples and struts-cookbook modules, which are commonly used for demonstration and educational purposes within the Struts ecosystem. The flaw manifests when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web responses, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the affected Struts actions. Attackers can exploit three distinct entry points to inject malicious scripts through the name parameter in the upload-submit.do endpoint and through the message parameter in both processSimple.do and processDyna.do endpoints. These parameters are processed without proper HTML escaping or sanitization, allowing attackers to inject script tags, event handlers, or other malicious content that gets executed when the vulnerable page is rendered. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can be leveraged to perform sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and the redirection of users to malicious websites. When exploited, these XSS vulnerabilities can compromise user sessions, potentially allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users and gain unauthorized access to sensitive application functionality. The attack surface is particularly concerning because Struts 1.3.10 was widely adopted in enterprise environments, meaning that successful exploitation could affect numerous applications across different organizations. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which involves the use of malicious scripts to steal credentials, and T1059 which encompasses the execution of malicious code through command and scripting interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1007 require immediate attention and comprehensive implementation across affected systems. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Apache Struts 1.3.11 or later versions where these XSS vulnerabilities have been addressed through proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper HTML escaping for all user-supplied input, deploying Content Security Policy (CSP) headers, and utilizing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews to identify other potential injection points within Struts applications, as this vulnerability highlights the importance of consistent input validation practices. The remediation process must also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the fixes do not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the security posture against similar vulnerabilities in the broader attack surface.