IRONSMITHINTEL
HIGHCVSS8.1
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2018-11776|Auth: none — unauthenticated|Reboot: required|Manual only

Apache Struts Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Apache Struts contains a vulnerability that allows for remote code execution under two circumstances. One, where the alwaysSelectFullNamespace option is true and the value isn't set for a result defined in underlying configurations and in same time, its upper package configuration have no or wildcard namespace. Or, using URL tag which doesn't have value and action set and in same time, its upper package configuration have no or wildcard namespace.

Published Aug 22, 2018 · Updated May 16, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A remote attacker, without authentication, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2022-05-03 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This vulnerability affects Apache Struts. Exploitation requires remote network access, higher attack complexity, no authentication required, and no user interaction required.

📧

Phishing link

🖼

Malicious file

🔓

Server compromised

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

IT Security
Running struts: 2.0.4 ≤ v < 2.3.35, 2.5.0 ≤ v < 2.5.17; oncommand insight: -; oncommand workflow automation: -; snapcenter: -; communications policy management: v < 12.5.0; enterprise manager base platform: 13.3.0.0, 13.4.0.0; mysql enterprise monitor: v ≤ 3.4.9.4237, 4.0.0 ≤ v ≤ 4.0.6.5281, 8.0.0 ≤ v ≤ 8.0.2.8191
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

Active exploitation documented in the wild. Threat-research write-up: https://github.com/hook-s3c/CVE-2018-11776-Python-PoC

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/alert-cve-2018-11776-5072787.html
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-11776
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2018-11776
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