CVE-2014-0116: Struts2 core ClassLoader Manipulation Vulnerability
HIGHCVE-2014-0116 is a HIGH classloader manipulation vulnerability (General Security Weakness) affecting Struts2 core libraries in the Maven ecosystem. The issue involves classloader manipulation in apache struts. Remediation is available by upgrading affected packages to version 2.3.20.
CVE-2014-0116 at a Glance
How to Fix CVE-2014-0116
To remediate this vulnerability, upgrade all affected Struts2 core dependencies to a patched release. Both direct and transitive dependencies should be checked, as frameworks or security libraries may pull in vulnerable versions transitively.
<dependency>
<groupId>org.apache.struts</groupId>
<artifactId>struts2-core</artifactId>
<version>2.3.20</version>
</dependency>Run the following command in your project directory to verify that all resolved dependencies use the patched release:
mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.apache.strutsHow to Check if You Are Affected
To determine whether your Java application is affected by CVE-2014-0116, inspect your build dependencies using the Maven Dependency Plugin:
mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.apache.strutsAnalyze the terminal output to locate any version of Struts2 core in your dependency tree. If any resolved version matches the vulnerable ranges listed in the table below (for example, versions earlier than 2.3.20), your application is affected.
Note: The mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.apache.struts command inspects the resolved dependency graph declared in your project's POM files; it does not perform automated security scanning or inspect runtime dynamic classpaths. Always verify runtime container classpaths and shaded JARs.
Technical Details
Vulnerability Mechanism & Technical Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under General Security Weakness. In Struts2 core, software state validation or input boundaries are circumvented during processing. Review the official source advisory statement below for specific affected components, classes, and reproduction details.
Source Advisory Statement
CVE-2014-0116 Affected Struts2 core Versions
1 component(s)| Product / Package | Ecosystem | Affected Versions | Fixed Version |
|---|---|---|---|
|
org.apache.struts:struts2-core
|
Maven |
< 2.3.20
|
2.3.20
|
References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2014-0116?
Which Struts2 core versions are affected?
What version fixes CVE-2014-0116?
Is struts2-core affected?
What CWE is associated with CVE-2014-0116?
How can I check Maven dependencies for CVE-2014-0116?
Machine-readable OSV JSON
OSV v1.5 Schema
{
"schema_version" : "1.4.0",
"id" : "GHSA-hmhq-382q-mp56",
"modified" : "2022-11-03T22:53:33Z",
"published" : "2022-05-14T00:54:14Z",
"aliases" : [ "CVE-2014-0116" ],
"summary" : "ClassLoader manipulation in Apache Struts",
"details" : "CookieInterceptor in Apache Struts 2.x before 2.3.20, when a wildcard cookiesName value is used, does not properly restrict access to the getClass method, which allows remote attackers to \"manipulate\" the ClassLoader and modify session state via a crafted request. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2014-0113.",
"severity" : [ ],
"affected" : [ {
"package" : {
"ecosystem" : "Maven",
"name" : "org.apache.struts:struts2-core"
},
"ranges" : [ {
"type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
"events" : [ {
"introduced" : "0"
}, {
"fixed" : "2.3.20"
} ]
} ]
} ],
"references" : [ {
"type" : "ADVISORY",
"url" : "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2014-0116"
}, {
"type" : "WEB",
"url" : "https://github.com/apache/struts/commit/1a668af7f1ffccea4a3b46d8d8c1fe1c7331ff02"
}, {
"type" : "PACKAGE",
"url" : "https://github.com/apache/struts"
}, {
"type" : "WEB",
"url" : "http://struts.apache.org/release/2.3.x/docs/s2-022.html"
}, {
"type" : "WEB",
"url" : "http://www.huawei.com/en/security/psirt/security-bulletins/security-advisories/hw-350733.htm"
} ],
"database_specific" : {
"cwe_ids" : [ ],
"severity" : "HIGH",
"github_reviewed" : true,
"github_reviewed_at" : "2022-11-03T22:53:33Z",
"nvd_published_at" : "2014-05-08T10:55:00Z"
}
}