CVE-2018-1327: Apache Struts REST Plugin DoS Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2018-1327: Apache Struts REST Plugin can potentially allow a DoS attack. Affects org.apache.struts:struts2-rest-plugin versions >= 2.1.1, < 2.5.16. Fixed in 2.5.16. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Apache Struts REST Plugin is a component of the Apache Struts framework that provides support for building RESTful web services. It utilizes the XStream library for XML processing. XStream is known to have a vulnerability that can be exploited to perform a Denial of Service (DoS) attack. This vulnerability affects versions of Apache Struts prior to 2.5.16.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the use of the XStream library in the Apache Struts REST Plugin. An attacker can send a specially crafted XML payload to the plugin, causing excessive memory consumption and potentially leading to a DoS condition. This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.5, indicating a high severity level. It is important to upgrade to Apache Struts version 2.5.16 or implement a custom XML handler based on the Jackson XML handler from Apache Struts 2.5.16 to mitigate the risk.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 7.4.0 as of 22 Oct 2026
Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
2.5.16
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
If upgrading to Apache Struts 2.5.16 is not immediately feasible, an alternative workaround is to implement a custom XML handler based on the Jackson XML handler from Apache Struts 2.5.16. This can help mitigate the risk of the DoS attack. Here is an example of how to implement a custom XML handler:
import com.fasterxml.jackson.dataformat.xml.XmlMapper;
import org.apache.struts2.rest.handler.ContentTypeHandler;
public class CustomXmlHandler extends ContentTypeHandler {
private XmlMapper xmlMapper;
public CustomXmlHandler() {
xmlMapper = new XmlMapper();
}
// Implement the necessary methods for XML handling
// ...
}
Remember to configure your application to use this custom XML handler.
Conclusion
The Apache Struts REST Plugin is vulnerable to a DoS attack due to the usage of the XStream library. Upgrading to Apache Struts version 2.5.16 or implementing a custom XML handler based on the Jackson XML handler from Apache Struts 2.5.16 is recommended to mitigate this vulnerability. It is important to promptly address this issue to prevent potential service disruption and ensure the security of your application. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability allows an attacker to send a specially crafted XML payload, potentially causing a DoS condition by consuming excessive memory. This can lead to service disruption and unavailability.
You can use Vulert's playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your pom.xml file and Vulert will analyze it in real-time.
Yes, upgrading to Apache Struts version 2.5.16 or implementing a custom XML handler based on the Jackson XML handler from Apache Struts 2.5.16 will fix this vulnerability.
While specific exploits for this vulnerability may exist, they have not been disclosed in the provided information. However, it is crucial to address this vulnerability promptly to prevent potential attacks.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the Apache Struts documentation and the provided GitHub advisory database link.
References
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