Apache Struts up to 2.3.37/2.5.33/6.1.0 SAXParserFactory xml external entity reference

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability labeled as problematic has been found in Apache Struts up to 2.3.37/2.5.33/6.1.0. This impacts an unknown function of the component SAXParserFactory. Such manipulation leads to xml external entity reference. This vulnerability is listed as CVE-2025-68493. The attack may be performed from remote. There is no available exploit. The affected component should be upgraded.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Apache Struts up to 2.3.37/2.5.33/6.1.0 and classified as critical. Affected by this issue is an unknown part of the component SAXParserFactory. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a xml external entity reference vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-611. The product processes an XML document that can contain XML entities with URIs that resolve to documents outside of the intended sphere of control, causing the product to embed incorrect documents into its output. Impacted is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

Missing XML Validation vulnerability in Apache Struts, Apache Struts. This issue affects Apache Struts: from 2.0.0 before 2.2.1; Apache Struts: from 2.2.1 through 6.1.0. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 6.1.1, which fixes the issue.

The advisory is shared for download at cwiki.apache.org. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2025-68493 since 12/19/2025. The exploitation is known to be easy. The attack may be launched remotely. There are neither technical details nor an exploit publicly available. The current price for an exploit might be approx. USD $0-$5k (estimation calculated on 03/18/2026).

Upgrading to version 6.1.1 eliminates this vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at EUVD (EUVD-2026-1898) and CERT Bund (WID-SEC-2026-0064). VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Affected

• Apache Struts
• Atlassian Bamboo

Productinfo

Type

• Programming Tool Software

Vendor

• Apache

Name

• Struts

Version

• 2.3.0
• 2.3.1
• 2.3.2
• 2.3.3
• 2.3.4
• 2.3.5
• 2.3.6
• 2.3.7
• 2.3.8
• 2.3.9
• 2.3.10
• 2.3.11
• 2.3.12
• 2.3.13
• 2.3.14
• 2.3.15
• 2.3.16
• 2.3.17
• 2.3.18
• 2.3.19
• 2.3.20
• 2.3.21
• 2.3.22
• 2.3.23
• 2.3.24
• 2.3.25
• 2.3.26
• 2.3.27
• 2.3.28
• 2.3.29
• 2.3.30
• 2.3.31
• 2.3.32
• 2.3.33
• 2.3.34
• 2.3.35
• 2.3.36
• 2.3.37
• 2.5.0
• 2.5.1
• 2.5.2
• 2.5.3
• 2.5.4
• 2.5.5
• 2.5.6
• 2.5.7
• 2.5.8
• 2.5.9
• 2.5.10
• 2.5.11
• 2.5.12
• 2.5.13
• 2.5.14
• 2.5.15
• 2.5.16
• 2.5.17
• 2.5.18
• 2.5.19
• 2.5.20
• 2.5.21
• 2.5.22
• 2.5.23
• 2.5.24
• 2.5.25
• 2.5.26
• 2.5.27
• 2.5.28
• 2.5.29
• 2.5.30
• 2.5.31
• 2.5.32
• 2.5.33
• 6.0
• 6.1.0

License

• open-source

Website

• Vendor: https://www.apache.org/

CPE 2.3info

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CPE 2.2info

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VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

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