CVE-2014-0112 in MySQL Enterprise Monitor
Summary
by MITRE
ParametersInterceptor in Apache Struts before 2.3.20 does not properly restrict access to the getClass method, which allows remote attackers to "manipulate" the ClassLoader and execute arbitrary code via a crafted request. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2014-0094.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2026
The CVE-2014-0112 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Apache Struts web application framework versions prior to 2.3.20. This vulnerability specifically affects the ParametersInterceptor component, which serves as a core security mechanism for handling parameter binding in Struts applications. The flaw emerged from an incomplete remediation of the earlier CVE-2014-0094 vulnerability, creating a persistent security gap that attackers could exploit to gain unauthorized system access. The vulnerability operates by allowing remote attackers to manipulate the ClassLoader through crafted HTTP requests, bypassing normal security restrictions that should prevent direct access to Java reflection mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation within the ParametersInterceptor's parameter processing logic. When Struts applications receive HTTP requests containing parameters, the framework attempts to bind these parameters to Java object properties through reflection. However, the flawed interceptor fails to adequately restrict access to the getClass method and other reflection-based operations that could be leveraged to manipulate the ClassLoader. Attackers can craft malicious requests containing specially formatted parameters that trigger the exploitation of this weakness, allowing them to execute arbitrary Java code on the target server with the privileges of the running application. This particular flaw aligns with CWE-20: Improper Input Validation and CWE-502: Deserialization of Untrusted Data, as it involves improper handling of untrusted input that leads to code execution through object deserialization and reflection mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0112 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to achieve complete system compromise without requiring authentication or privileged access. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected server, potentially leading to data theft, system infiltration, and further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects any Apache Struts application running versions prior to 2.3.20, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread adoption of the framework. Security researchers have documented numerous real-world exploitation attempts targeting vulnerable Struts installations, with attackers using this vulnerability to deploy malware, establish backdoors, and conduct persistent threats against organizations. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it can be triggered through simple HTTP requests without requiring complex exploitation techniques or specialized tools.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the recommended mitigations, primarily focusing on upgrading to Apache Struts 2.3.20 or later versions where the fix has been properly implemented. The security patch addresses the incomplete fix for CVE-2014-0094 by strengthening parameter validation and properly restricting access to reflection-based operations within the ParametersInterceptor. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough security testing and validation of security patches, as the initial remediation for CVE-2014-0094 was insufficient to prevent subsequent exploitation through this alternative attack path. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected Struts versions within their infrastructure, as the vulnerability can remain undetected for extended periods due to its subtle nature and the complexity of parameter processing in web applications.