CVE-2012-0394 Apache Struts's DebuggingInterceptor component allows remote code execution in developer mode

What is CVE-2012-0394?

CVE-2012-0394 is a medium-severity command injection vulnerability in Apache Struts, published on 8 Jan 2012. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

Official description

The DebuggingInterceptor component in Apache Struts before 2.3.1.1, when developer mode is used, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via unspecified vectors. NOTE: the vendor characterizes this behavior as not "a security vulnerability itself.

Weakness: CWE-94

Which versions are affected by CVE-2012-0394?

2 open source packages ship an affected version, including org.apache.struts.xwork:xwork-core. It affects 1 product.

Products include Apache Struts.

How do I fix CVE-2012-0394?

Upgrade org.apache.struts.xwork:xwork-core to 2.3.18 or later.

Upgrade, and pass arguments to programs as a list instead of through a shell. More about Command injection.

Is CVE-2012-0394 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2012-0394 exists.

Public exploit code: 1 Metasploit module, 2 Exploit-DB entries and 1 Nuclei template.

Other vulnerabilities in Apache Struts

• CVE-2020-17530 Apache Struts Remote Code Execution Exploited Critical 9.8
• CVE-2017-9791 Apache Struts 1 Improper Input Validation Exploited Critical 9.8
• CVE-2017-5638 Apache Struts Remote Code Execution Exploited Critical 9.8
• CVE-2012-0391 Apache Struts 2 Improper Input Validation Exploited Critical 9.8
• CVE-2018-11776 Apache Struts Remote Code Execution Exploited High 8.1

All Apache Struts vulnerabilities

Sources

• CVE record
• NVD
• OSV
• GitHub advisory
• How this page is made

Also known as GHSA-hmvj-gc9q-mg9p.