CVE-2011-2087: Apache Struts Multiple XSS Vulnerabilities
Summary
CVE-2011-2087: Apache Struts Multiple XSS Vulnerabilities. Affects org.apache.struts:struts2-parent versions < 2.2.3. Fixed in 2.2.3. How to fix ↓
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Background
Apache Struts is an open-source framework for developing Java web applications. It provides a set of tools and libraries to simplify the development process and enhance the security of web applications. The vulnerability in question affects the javatemplates plugin in Apache Struts 2.x before version 2.2.3. This plugin is responsible for handling various components in web forms, such as files, hidden fields, passwords, radio buttons, reset buttons, select boxes, submit buttons, and text fields. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML by exploiting improper handling of value attributes in these component handlers.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from a lack of proper input validation and sanitization in the affected component handlers. By submitting specially crafted parameter values to a .action URI, an attacker can inject malicious scripts or HTML code into the web application. This can lead to various security issues, including cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, where the attacker can execute arbitrary code in the context of the victim's browser. This can result in session hijacking, data theft, defacement of web pages, and other malicious activities.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.2.3
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
If upgrading to the latest version of Apache Struts is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround can be implemented. This involves implementing custom input validation and sanitization mechanisms for the affected component handlers. Developers should carefully validate and sanitize user input before using it in the value attributes of the component handlers. This can be done using appropriate input validation libraries or by implementing custom validation logic in the application code.
Conclusion
The Apache Struts Multiple XSS Vulnerabilities pose a significant security risk to web applications using the javatemplates plugin in Apache Struts 2.x. It is crucial to promptly upgrade to version 2.2.3 or later to mitigate these vulnerabilities. If immediate upgrade is not possible, developers should implement custom input validation and sanitization mechanisms as a temporary workaround. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Apache Struts is an open-source framework for developing Java web applications. It provides a set of tools and libraries to simplify the development process and enhance the security of web applications.
The javatemplates plugin in Apache Struts is responsible for handling various components in web forms, such as files, hidden fields, passwords, radio buttons, reset buttons, select boxes, submit buttons, and text fields.
Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability where an attacker can inject malicious scripts or HTML code into a web application. This can lead to various security issues, including session hijacking, data theft, defacement of web pages, and other malicious activities.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to Apache Struts version 2.2.3 or later. This version includes the necessary patches and improvements to mitigate the XSS vulnerabilities in the javatemplates plugin.
If upgrading to the latest version of Apache Struts is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround can be implemented. This involves implementing custom input validation and sanitization mechanisms for the affected component handlers.
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