CVE-2013-2134 in Struts
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Struts 2 before 2.3.14.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OGNL code via a request with a crafted action name that is not properly handled during wildcard matching, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-2135.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2134 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Apache Struts 2 framework versions prior to 2.3.14.3. This vulnerability specifically targets the framework's wildcard matching mechanism, which is designed to handle dynamic action names and routing within web applications built on the Struts 2 architecture. The flaw occurs when the framework processes incoming HTTP requests containing specially crafted action names that exploit improper handling during the wildcard pattern matching phase, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary Object-Graph Navigation Language code on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the way Struts 2 processes action names during the wildcard matching process, where the framework fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input before using it in OGNL expression evaluation. When an attacker crafts a malicious request with an action name that contains OGNL expressions, the framework's wildcard matching logic inadvertently processes this input as executable code rather than treating it as simple string data. This misconfiguration creates a path for remote code execution where attackers can leverage the OGNL engine to perform arbitrary operations on the target system, potentially gaining full control over the application server.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations running affected Apache Struts 2 applications, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-94 indicates it represents a code injection flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code, while its relationship to the broader ATT&CK framework places it within the code injection and remote code execution tactics. Organizations utilizing Struts 2 frameworks without proper patching or mitigation measures face potential data breaches, system compromise, and complete loss of application integrity, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or disrupt services.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2013-2134 requires immediate patching of all affected Apache Struts 2 installations to version 2.3.14.3 or later, which includes fixes addressing the improper wildcard matching handling. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures at all entry points, particularly focusing on action name parameters and user-supplied data that could be processed through wildcard matching. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to Struts 2 applications, while application-level firewalls and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in action name processing and OGNL expression evaluation, as these activities may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure all Struts 2 components are properly updated and that no legacy versions remain in production environments, as this vulnerability has been widely exploited in numerous high-profile attacks targeting web applications across various industries.