CVE-2013-1966 — struts2-core
Fix: apache/struts@7e6f641CVE-2013-1966 is a Code Injection vulnerability in org.apache.struts:struts2-core. 2 public exploit or proof-of-concept references are indexed, so weaponization risk is real. A fix is available for org.apache.struts:struts2-core — see the affected versions and patch details below.
Arbitrary code execution in Apache Struts
EPSS Exploitation Probability
Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days, from FIRST.org EPSS.
Real-World Exposure
org.apache.struts:struts2-core☕org.apache.struts.xwork:xwork-coreReal-time download stats are indexed for npm and PyPI packages. This vulnerability affects Maven packages — download data is not available via public APIs for these ecosystems.
Description
Apache Struts 2 before 2.3.14.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OGNL code via a crafted request that is not properly handled when using the includeParams attribute in the (1) URL or (2) A tag.
Affected Packages
| Ecosystem | Package | Vulnerable range | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☕Maven | org.apache.struts:struts2-core | ≥ 2.0.0&&< 2.3.14.2 | 2.3.14.2org.apache.struts:struts2-core:2.3.14.2 |
| ☕Maven | org.apache.struts.xwork:xwork-core | ≥ 2.0.0&&< 2.3.14.2 | 2.3.14.2org.apache.struts.xwork:xwork-core:2.3.14.2 |
Affected Products
strutsapacheResearch use only. For defensive security, authorized penetration testing, and academic research only. Never execute exploit code against systems without explicit written authorization.
Apache Struts - includeParams Remote Code Execution (Metasploit)
by Metasploit · Jun 5, 2013
Detection & mitigation playbook
Open-source dependencyDetect
Scan your dependency tree (package-lock.json, pnpm-lock.yaml, requirements.txt, go.sum, etc.) for org.apache.struts:struts2-core, including transitive dependencies — a direct dependency you never call can still pull in a vulnerable version.
Fix
Update org.apache.struts:struts2-core to 2.3.14.2 or later, then make sure no transitive (indirect) dependency still pins the vulnerable range — O3 confirms CVE-2013-1966 is resolved across your whole dependency graph.
Workarounds
Stop passing untrusted input into the interpreter or shell: call the affected binary with an argument array rather than a composed command string, reject anything outside a strict allowlist of expected values, and run the component under an account that cannot reach beyond the work it legitimately does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2013-1966 in your dependencies?
Find it across Maven, including transitive dependencies.