CVE-2015-5209 in Struts
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Struts 2.x before 2.3.24.1 allows remote attackers to manipulate Struts internals, alter user sessions, or affect container settings via vectors involving a top object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2021
Apache Struts 2 versions prior to 2.3.24.1 contain a critical vulnerability that enables remote attackers to manipulate internal framework components through improper handling of top object parameters. This vulnerability resides in the framework's parameter processing mechanism where the top object parameter can be manipulated to gain unauthorized access to internal Struts components. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious parameters that can alter the behavior of the framework's internal operations, potentially leading to session manipulation or container configuration changes. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which represents improper output neutralization for logs, and falls within the broader category of insecure parameter handling within web frameworks. This weakness specifically affects the parameter processing pipeline in Struts 2's value stack mechanism where parameters are evaluated and processed. The vulnerability can be exploited through crafted HTTP requests that manipulate the top object parameter, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and modify internal framework state. Security researchers have identified this issue as a significant threat to applications built on the Struts 2 framework, as it can be leveraged to perform session hijacking attacks or modify container-level settings that affect application behavior. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on Struts 2 for their core functionality. The vulnerability impacts the integrity and confidentiality of applications by allowing unauthorized manipulation of framework internals. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, as attackers can leverage it to execute arbitrary code or manipulate application sessions. Organizations using affected Struts 2 versions should immediately apply the patch to version 2.3.24.1 or higher, as this release includes fixes for the parameter processing flaws that allow manipulation of internal framework components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameter handling in web frameworks, as it highlights how seemingly benign parameter processing can lead to critical security implications. Security teams should implement monitoring for unusual parameter patterns and ensure that all Struts 2 applications are updated to patched versions to prevent exploitation. The flaw represents a classic example of how framework-level vulnerabilities can provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to internal system components that should remain protected from external manipulation.