CVE-2016-4436 in MySQL Enterprise Monitor
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Struts 2 before 2.3.29 and 2.5.x before 2.5.1 allow attackers to have unspecified impact via vectors related to improper action name clean up.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2021
Apache Struts 2 is a widely used open source web application framework that provides developers with tools to build enterprise web applications in java. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4436 affects versions prior to 2.3.29 and 2.5.1, representing a critical security flaw in the framework's handling of action names. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and code execution issues, with the weakness being classified as CWE-20 Improper Input Validation within the context of web application frameworks. The vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of action names during the processing of incoming requests, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to manipulate the framework's internal state.
The technical flaw manifests when the framework processes action names that contain specially crafted payloads designed to exploit the improper cleanup mechanism. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through carefully constructed request parameters that manipulate the action name processing logic, potentially leading to remote code execution or information disclosure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the framework level, affecting applications that rely on Struts 2 for their core functionality. The improper action name cleanup allows attackers to inject malicious content into the action name parameter, which then gets processed by the framework without adequate validation. This creates opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server, access sensitive information, or perform other malicious activities depending on the specific implementation details and server configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations running affected versions of Apache Struts 2, as it provides attackers with a potential path to compromise entire web applications. Systems utilizing vulnerable versions are at risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential full system compromise. The vulnerability affects a broad range of applications since Struts 2 is used across numerous enterprise environments, making the potential attack surface extensive. Organizations that have not patched their systems remain vulnerable to exploitation, as the flaw exists in the core framework logic rather than in specific application code. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted HTTP requests containing malicious action names that trigger the improper cleanup process, potentially resulting in command execution or other unauthorized operations.
Security professionals should immediately implement mitigation strategies including upgrading to patched versions of Apache Struts 2, specifically version 2.3.29 or later for the 2.3.x series and 2.5.1 or later for the 2.5.x series. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious requests. Additional defensive measures include input validation at multiple layers, restricting access to application endpoints, and implementing proper logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation often involves executing commands through the framework's processing mechanisms. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of vulnerable software within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process should also include thorough testing of patched applications to ensure compatibility and proper functionality of the updated framework components.