CVE-2013-2251 in MySQL Enterprise Monitor
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Struts 2.0.0 through 2.3.15 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OGNL expressions via a parameter with a crafted (1) action:, (2) redirect:, or (3) redirectAction: prefix.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
Apache Struts 2 vulnerability CVE-2013-2251 represents a critical remote code execution flaw that affects versions ranging from 2.0.0 through 2.3.15. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the framework's parameter processing mechanism, specifically targeting the handling of parameters prefixed with action redirect or redirectAction. The flaw resides in the framework's ability to interpret and execute OGNL (Object-Graph Navigation Language) expressions directly from user-supplied parameters without adequate sanitization or escaping. When an attacker crafts a malicious parameter containing these specific prefixes followed by crafted OGNL expressions, the framework processes these inputs and executes the embedded code on the server, providing attackers with remote command execution capabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94 which describes improper control of generation of code, and specifically manifests as a code injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled input is interpreted as executable code. The attack vector operates through web applications built on Apache Struts 2 that fail to properly validate incoming parameters, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input directly through the framework's parameter handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2251 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the target server, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system enumeration, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication and can be triggered through simple HTTP requests, making it highly attractive to automated attack tools and malicious actors. The affected applications typically include web portals, content management systems, and enterprise applications that rely on Apache Struts 2 for their web framework functionality. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as attackers can execute commands and potentially establish persistence within compromised environments. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that many organizations were running outdated versions of Struts 2, and the exploitation requires minimal technical skill to implement effectively.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2251 focus on immediate version upgrades and input validation enhancements. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Apache Struts 2.3.15.1 or later versions where this vulnerability has been patched, as the official releases include proper parameter sanitization and escaping mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at the application level can help prevent exploitation by filtering out malicious parameter prefixes before they reach the framework's parameter processing layer. Security measures should include configuring web application firewalls to detect and block requests containing the vulnerable parameter prefixes, as well as implementing strict parameter validation rules that reject inputs containing OGNL expression syntax. Network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation by restricting access to vulnerable applications. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all applications using affected Struts versions and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in application functionality, while also implementing continuous monitoring for similar vulnerabilities in other framework components and dependencies.