IRONSMITHINTEL
CRITICALCVSS9.8
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2020-17530|Auth: none — unauthenticated|Reboot: required|Manual only

Apache Struts Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Forced Object-Graph Navigation Language (OGNL) evaluation in Apache Struts, when evaluated on raw user input in tag attributes, can lead to remote code execution.

Published Dec 11, 2020 · 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 is a Software Vulnerability (CWE-917) (CWE-917) vulnerability in Apache Struts. Forced OGNL evaluation, when evaluated on raw user input in tag attributes, may lead to remote code execution. Affected software : Apache Struts 2.0.0 - Struts 2.5.25. Exploitation requires remote network access, low attack complexity, no authentication required, and no user interaction required.

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Phishing link

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Malicious file

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Server compromised

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

●IT Security
●Running struts: 2.0.0 ≤ v < 2.5.30; business intelligence: 12.2.1.3.0, 12.2.1.4.0; communications diameter intelligence hub: 8.0.0, 8.1.0, 8.2.0, 8.2.3; communications policy management: 12.5.0; communications pricing design center: 12.0.0.3.0; financial services data integration hub: 8.0.3, 8.0.6; hospitality opera 5: 5.6; mysql enterprise monitor: 8.0.23
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2021-11-03 based on evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies required to remediate by 2022-05-03.

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: https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/WW/S2-061
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-17530
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-17530
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References

↗ CVE-2020-17530↗ NVD↗ Vendor Advisory