CVE-2017-9791 in Struts
Summary
by MITRE
The Struts 1 plugin in Apache Struts 2.3.x might allow remote code execution via a malicious field value passed in a raw message to the ActionMessage.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9791 resides within the Apache Struts 2.3.x framework, specifically affecting the Struts 1 plugin component. This issue represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability that exploits the framework's handling of raw message parameters within ActionMessage objects. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly process malicious field values passed through HTTP requests. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting specially crafted payloads containing malicious field values that are subsequently processed by the vulnerable Struts 1 plugin, leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected server.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of raw message data within the ActionMessage processing pipeline of the Struts 1 plugin. When the framework receives a request containing malicious field values, the raw message parsing mechanism fails to adequately sanitize or validate the input before it is processed. This allows attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed within the context of the web application server. The vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between the Struts 1 plugin and the broader Struts 2 framework, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass normal security controls and execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The flaw operates at the parameter binding level where user-supplied data is directly mapped to application objects without proper security checks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9791 is severe and far-reaching, as successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the affected web application server. Attackers can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, establishing backdoors, or using the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations running Apache Struts 2.3.x versions, making it particularly dangerous as this was a widely deployed framework version. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or prior authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation campaigns.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Apache Struts 2.5.10 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures at the application level can provide defense-in-depth protection. Network-level mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in application logs that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of malicious code through web application vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable framework versions within the organization's infrastructure.