CVE-2014-0116 in Struts
Summary
by MITRE
CookieInterceptor in Apache Struts 2.x before 2.3.16.3, when a wildcard cookiesName value is used, does not properly restrict access to the getClass method, which allows remote attackers to "manipulate" the ClassLoader and modify session state via a crafted request. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2014-0113.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0116 represents a critical security flaw in Apache Struts 2 framework versions prior to 2.3.16.3, specifically within the CookieInterceptor component. This issue arises from improper access control mechanisms that fail to adequately restrict access to the getClass method when wildcard cookie names are employed in the framework's configuration. The vulnerability stems from an incomplete remediation of a previously identified flaw, CVE-2014-0113, which demonstrates the complexity of addressing security issues in web application frameworks where multiple layers of protection must work in concert.
The technical flaw manifests when the CookieInterceptor processes requests containing wildcard cookie names, allowing malicious actors to exploit a method access vulnerability that bypasses intended security restrictions. The core issue lies in the improper handling of the getClass method within the ClassLoader context, which enables attackers to manipulate the underlying class loading mechanism. This manipulation occurs through carefully crafted HTTP requests that exploit the vulnerability's access control bypass, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code or modify session state information. The vulnerability operates at the application level and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Struts 2 applications are deployed.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to affected systems as it allows remote code execution capabilities and session manipulation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to application resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as the ability to manipulate session state could enable session hijacking attacks or privilege escalation within the application. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Apache Struts 2 are at risk of unauthorized data access, application disruption, and potential data breaches that could affect sensitive user information and business operations.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2014-0116 requires immediate deployment of Apache Struts 2 version 2.3.16.3 or later, which contains the complete fix for both this vulnerability and its predecessor CVE-2014-0113. Security administrators should also review and validate all cookie name configurations to ensure that wildcard patterns are not used in contexts where they could expose the framework to this type of attack. Organizations should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments of web applications should include verification of framework versions and configuration settings to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through misconfigurations or outdated components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 access control weaknesses and represents a technique that could be categorized under ATT&CK tactic TA0001 initial access, specifically through exploitation of web application vulnerabilities.
The root cause of this vulnerability demonstrates the challenges inherent in web application security where framework-level flaws can create cascading effects that impact multiple aspects of application security. The incomplete fix for CVE-2014-0113 indicates that security patches must be thoroughly tested and validated to ensure they address the complete scope of the identified vulnerability. Organizations should adopt a comprehensive security posture that includes regular framework updates, security configuration reviews, and continuous monitoring to detect and respond to similar threats that may arise from complex interaction patterns within web application frameworks.