CVE-2023-50164
Published: 07 December 2023
Summary
CVE-2023-50164 is a critical-severity Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties (CWE-552) vulnerability in Apache Struts. Its CVSS base score is 9.8 (Critical).
Operationally, ranked in the top 0.1% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
Deeper analysis
CVE-2023-50164 is a path traversal vulnerability in Apache Struts that arises during file upload handling. By manipulating upload parameters, an attacker can traverse directories and, under certain conditions, place a malicious file on the server that enables remote code execution. The flaw affects Struts versions prior to 2.5.33 and 6.3.0.2 and carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8.
Unauthenticated attackers with network access can exploit the issue without user interaction to upload and execute arbitrary code on the target server, resulting in full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Public advisories from the Apache Struts project and downstream vendors such as NetApp direct users to upgrade immediately to Struts 2.5.33 or 6.3.0.2 or later. Multiple references, including the Apache security mailing list thread and Packet Storm entries, document the fix and provide exploit artifacts.
The CVE maintains a high and stable EPSS score of 0.9366 with public exploit code already circulating, indicating sustained interest since disclosure.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2023-3074
Vulnerability details
An attacker can manipulate file upload params to enable paths traversal and under some circumstances this can lead to uploading a malicious file which can be used to perform Remote Code Execution. Users are recommended to upgrade to versions Struts…
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2.5.33 or Struts 6.3.0.2 or greater to fix this issue.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Controls on authorized publication limit files and directories with nonpublic data from becoming accessible to external parties.
Controlling and documenting P2P file sharing prevents files and directories from being made accessible to external parties for unauthorized distribution.
Identifying and documenting file and directory locations allows restriction of access to external parties.
Protecting backup files ensures they are not accessible to external parties or unauthorized spheres.
Sanitizing equipment before off-site maintenance reduces the risk of files or directories containing sensitive data becoming accessible to external parties.
Policy restricts media access to authorized parties only, preventing exposure of resources to external or unauthorized actors.
Media access restrictions prevent files or directories from being accessible to external parties.
Employing and evaluating controls at documented alternate sites makes files and directories less likely to be accessible to external parties through physical or environmental weaknesses.