Apache Struts Jakarta Remote Code Execution (CVE-2017-5638) Detection with Nessus
A remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2017-5638) in the Jakarta Multipart Parser in certain versions of the Apache Struts framework can enable a remote attacker to run arbitrary commands on the web server. Since its initial disclosure, this vulnerability has received significant attention, and is reportedly exploited in the wild. Public exploits are also available for this vulnerability. Customers are advised to immediately patch their servers to the latest versions of Apache Struts or implement recommended workarounds.
Vulnerability details
A remote code execution vulnerability exists due to a weakness in the way that the Jakarta Multipart Parser component of Apache Struts processes Content-Type headers during a file upload. By exploiting this flaw, a remote attacker could execute arbitrary commands on the remote host subject to the privileges of the user running the web server. Authentication is not required to exploit this flaw.
Tenable coverage
Tenable has released two plugins to detect this flaw in your network. Plugin 97610 is a remote plugin and will attempt to exploit the flaw against target URLs that are discovered by webmirror. A successful scan of a target will produce the following results:
If you suspect your system is vulnerable, but it is not reporting something similar, check the scan’s Audit Trail for plugin 97610. Nessus may have difficulty crawling some web applications and you may need to adjust policy settings to add a specific URL. The crawler setting can be defined in Assessment -> Web Applications -> Start crawling from. Additional URL's could be added separated by a colon : .
In addition to our remote check, a local authenticated check is available for Windows and Unix targets (plugin 97576). In general authenticated plugins have a higher chance of success, hence Tenable recommends customers run a scan with authenticated local check plugin to detect vulnerable Apache struts installs.. Note that this plugin only runs in scans where the Accuracy setting is set to Show potential false alarms.
What customers should do
Customers who are affected by this vulnerability should upgrade to Apache Struts version 2.3.32 or 2.5.10.1. A workaround is available for Apache Struts version 2.5.8 - 2.5.10.1. This workaround is documented at https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/WW/S2-045.
Due to the nature of this vulnerability, it is critical that vulnerable hosts are patched as quickly as possible. By leveraging the remote check available from Nessus, it is possible to scan all of your web applications to identify any application that is using an outdated version of Struts.
Thanks to William Spires for his contributions to this blog.
Note - we updated screenshots in this post on Sept. 14, 2017.
Related Articles
New CISA Hardening Guidance Provides Valuable Insights for Network Security Engineers
December 11, 2024Recent guidance from CISA and the FBI highlights best practices to monitor and harden network infrastructure. The guidance, published in response to high-profile attacks on telecom infrastructure, is applicable to a wider audience. This blog unpacks important points and explains how Tenable products can help with compliance scans.
Study: Tenable Offers Fastest, Broadest Coverage of CISA's KEV Catalog
October 23, 2023Tenable ranked first in multiple vulnerability management categories, including the most comprehensive coverage and quickest detection of CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities, according to a Miercom report commissioned by Tenable.
Tuning Network Assessments for Performance and Resource Usage
September 13, 2022Using the correct tool for the job and optimizing scanner placement will have a large impact on scan efficiency with Nessus, Tenable.io and Tenable.sc.
Cybersecurity Snapshot: CISA Hands Down Cloud Security Directive, While Threat from North Korean IT Workers Gets the Spotlight
December 20, 2024Check out the new cloud security requirements for federal agencies. Plus, beware of North Korean government operatives posing as remote IT pros. Also, learn how water plants can protect their HMIs against cyberattacks. And get the latest on the U.S. cyber incident response framework; the CIS Benchmarks; and local and state governments’ cyber challenges.
Web App Scanning 101: What Security Pros Need to Know About CI/CD Pipelines
December 19, 2024Git, repositories and pipelines…oh my! We unpack standard practices in the web app development process and provide guidance on how to use Tenable Web Application Scanning to secure your code.
Cybersecurity Snapshot: Telecoms May Face Tougher Regulations After Salt Typhoon Hacks, as Study Finds Cyber Pros More Stressed at Work
December 13, 2024The FCC wants stronger cyber regulations for telecoms after cyber espionage breaches. Meanwhile, find out why cyber pros say work has become more difficult. Plus, check out tips to prevent AI-boosted financial fraud. And get the latest on vulnerability management, EU cyber challenges and CIS predictions for 2025.
- Nessus
- Plugins
- Vulnerability Scanning