Apache Struts Deserialization of Untrusted Data Vulnerability
The REST Plugin in Apache Struts 2.1.1 through 2.3.x before 2.3.34 and 2.5.x before 2.5.13 uses an XStreamHandler with an instance of XStream for deserialization without any type filtering, which can lead to Remote Code Execution when…
Severity = CVSS. Probability = EPSS (FIRST). Exploitation = public signals: KEV, EUVD, ransomware, EPSS above 10 %, no account required.
Exploitation probability EPSS · FIRST
Exploitation signals 4 / 5
- KEV catalog (CISA)03 Nov 2021
- Exploited in EUVD (ENISA)03 Nov 2021
- Used by ransomwareno
- EPSS above 10 %99.4%
- No account, over the networkyes
What to do
Fix
Apply the vendor’s fix as soon as it is available.
CISA guidance: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Meanwhile
Take the service off the internet or restrict access to it, watch the logs and look for signs of compromise.
Manufacturers (CRA)
Exploited vulnerability in your product: early warning to ENISA within 24 h, then notification within 72 h (Article 14 of the Cyber Resilience Act). The CRA explained
Description ENISA EUVD
The REST Plugin in Apache Struts 2.1.1 through 2.3.x before 2.3.34 and 2.5.x before 2.5.13 uses an XStreamHandler with an instance of XStream for deserialization without any type filtering, which can lead to Remote Code Execution when deserializing XML payloads.
Affected products
- Apache Struts before 2.3.34 and 2.5.x before 2.5.13
Open source packages OSV
Affected libraries according to OSV, with fixed versions.
Timeline
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Published
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Exploitation reported (ENISA)
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Added to the KEV catalog
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CISA remediation due date
-
EPSS peak: 99.4%
References
Other exploited vulnerabilities from the same vendor
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- CVE-2024-38475Apache HTTP Server Improper Escaping of Output Vulnerability9.0 · Background exploitation
- CVE-2025-24813Apache Tomcat Path Equivalence Vulnerability9.4 · Background exploitation
- CVE-2024-45195Apache OFBiz Forced Browsing Vulnerability9.3 · Background exploitation