CVE-2023-50164: Critical Apache Struts Vulnerability Allows Remote Code Execution
Apache Struts, the popular open-source framework for building Java web applications, has been hit by a critical vulnerability (CVE-2023-50164) that could allow attackers to remotely execute code on vulnerable servers. This is a serious security risk that all developers using Struts need to be aware of and address immediately.
Understanding the Vulnerability:
The CVE-2023-50164 vulnerability, discovered by security researcher Steven Seeley, allows attackers to manipulate file upload parameters to bypass intended security restrictions. By exploiting this flaw, attackers can gain the ability to upload malicious files to the server, which can then be used to execute code remotely.
Affected Versions:
The vulnerability affects the following versions of Apache Struts:
- Struts 2.5.0 – Struts 2.5.32
- Struts 6.0.0 – Struts 6.3.0
What You Need to Do:
If you are using any of the affected versions of Struts, it is critical that you upgrade to the latest patched versions immediately. Here are the patched versions:
Additional Recommendations:
In addition to upgrading to the patched versions, here are some additional steps you can take to mitigate the risk of this vulnerability:
- Review your file upload configurations: Ensure that you have strict controls in place to prevent the upload of unauthorized files.
- Keep your software up to date: Always apply security patches and updates as soon as they become available.
- Use a web application firewall: A web application firewall can help to block malicious requests and protect your server from attacks.
