CVE-2024-53677
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Apache Struts allows attackers to manipulate file upload parameters to perform path traversal attacks, potentially leading to remote code execution. It affects Apache Struts versions 2.0.0 through 6.3.0. Applications using the legacy FileuploadInterceptor-based file upload logic are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Apache Struts
📦 What is this software?
Struts by Apache
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution with full system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, steal data, or deploy malware.
Likely Case
File upload manipulation leading to unauthorized file writes, potential web shell deployment, and limited code execution.
If Mitigated
Attack blocked at WAF/IPS layer or application properly validates/sanitizes file upload parameters.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires file upload functionality and path traversal manipulation. Public details available in S2-067 advisory.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 6.4.0
Vendor Advisory: https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/WW/S2-067
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Upgrade Apache Struts to version 6.4.0 or later. 2. Migrate to the new file upload mechanism as described at https://struts.apache.org/core-developers/file-upload. 3. Restart application server.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable legacy file upload interceptor
allRemove or disable FileuploadInterceptor from Struts configuration
Edit struts.xml to remove <interceptor-ref name="fileUpload"> references
Implement strict file upload validation
allAdd custom validation for file upload parameters including path traversal checks
Implement custom interceptor or validation logic to sanitize file upload parameters
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement WAF rules to block path traversal patterns in file upload requests
- Restrict file upload functionality to authenticated users only and implement strict file type validation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Struts version and verify if using FileuploadInterceptor. Review struts.xml for fileUpload interceptor references.Check Version:
Check application dependencies or Maven/Gradle configuration for org.apache.struts:struts2-core versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Struts version is 6.4.0+ and application uses new file upload mechanism. Test file upload functionality with path traversal attempts.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file upload requests with path traversal patterns (../, ..\, %2e%2e%2f)
- File writes to unexpected directories
- Web shell deployment attempts
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests with file upload parameters containing path traversal sequences
- Unusual file extensions in upload requests
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (http_method="POST" AND (uri_path="*upload*" OR uri_path="*file*")) AND (request_body="*../*" OR request_body="*..\\*" OR request_body="*%2e%2e%2f*")