# CVE-2013-2248: Open redirect in Apache Struts

> Remote attackers can redirect users to malicious sites via crafted URLs, facilitating phishing attacks against applications using this Java web framework.

- **Severity:** Medium 5.8 (`AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:N`)
- **Exploited in the wild:** Not known
- **Login needed:** Not needed
- **Attackable:** Over the internet
- **Victim action needed:** A user has to click or open something
- **Fix available:** Yes
- **Published:** 18 Jul 2013
- **Updated:** 6 Aug 2024
- **Also known as:** GHSA-rpj9-r897-wc6q

## What is CVE-2013-2248?

CVE-2013-2248 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Apache Struts, published on 18 Jul 2013. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

### Official description

Multiple open redirect vulnerabilities in Apache Struts 2.0.0 through 2.3.15 allow remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via a URL in a parameter using the (1) redirect: or (2) redirectAction: prefix.

Weakness: CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation)

## Which versions are affected by CVE-2013-2248?

2 open source packages ship an affected version, including org.apache.struts:struts2-core. It affects 1 product.


| Package | Ecosystem | Affected | Fixed in |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `org.apache.struts:struts2-core` | Maven | All versions | 2.3.15.1 |
| `org.apache.struts:struts2-core` | Maven | All versions | 2.3.15.1 |

Products: Apache Struts.

## How do I fix CVE-2013-2248?

Upgrade org.apache.struts:struts2-core to 2.3.15.1 or later.

## Is CVE-2013-2248 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2013-2248 exists.

Public exploit code:

- Apache Struts 2.2.3 - Multiple Open Redirections (exploitdb)
- Apache Struts - Multiple Open Redirection Vulnerabilities (nuclei): http/cves/2013/CVE-2013-2248.yaml

## Other vulnerabilities in Apache Struts

- [CVE-2020-17530](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2020-17530/): Apache Struts Remote Code Execution (critical 9.8, exploited in the wild)
- [CVE-2017-9791](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2017-9791/): Apache Struts 1 Improper Input Validation (critical 9.8, exploited in the wild)
- [CVE-2017-5638](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2017-5638/): Apache Struts Remote Code Execution (critical 9.8, exploited in the wild)
- [CVE-2012-0391](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2012-0391/): Apache Struts 2 Improper Input Validation (critical 9.8, exploited in the wild)
- [CVE-2018-11776](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2018-11776/): Apache Struts Remote Code Execution (high 8.1, exploited in the wild)

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
Check this codebase for CVE-2013-2248 and fix it if it is affected.

What it is: CVE-2013-2248 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Apache Struts, published on 18 Jul 2013. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Exploitation: It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2013-2248 exists.

Affected packages and fixed versions:
- org.apache.struts:struts2-core (Maven): affected all versions; fixed in 2.3.15.1
- org.apache.struts:struts2-core (Maven): affected all versions; fixed in 2.3.15.1

Task:
1. Search the dependency manifests and lockfiles (for example package.json, package-lock.json, requirements.txt, poetry.lock, uv.lock, pom.xml, build.gradle, go.mod, Cargo.lock, Gemfile.lock) and any Dockerfiles for the affected packages, including transitive dependencies.
2. If an affected version is in use, upgrade it to the fixed version for its release line with the project's package manager, so the lockfile is regenerated. Prefer the smallest upgrade that fixes it.
3. If there is no fix, or the upgrade would break the build, do not guess: explain the risk and the safest workaround instead.
4. Run the tests and summarise what changed and why.
5. If nothing in the project is affected, say so and change nothing.

Reference: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2013-2248/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2013-2248/index.md)
```

## Sources

- CVE record: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2013-2248
- NVD: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2013-2248
- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/CVE-2013-2248

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2013-2248/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.