CVE-2017-5638
The Jakarta Multipart parser in Apache Struts 2 2.3.x before 2.3.32 and 2.5.x before 2.5.10.1 has incorrect exception handling and error-message…
Browse: All 2017 CVEs · All vendors
- CVSS score
- 9.8 Critical
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- CISA KEV
- Yes — actively exploited (added 2021-11-03, remediation due 2022-05-03)
- Ransomware
- Known ransomware campaign use
- Weakness (CWE)
- CWE-755
- Published
- 2017-03-11
- Last modified
- 2026-06-17
- NVD status
- Analyzed
Description
The Jakarta Multipart parser in Apache Struts 2 2.3.x before 2.3.32 and 2.5.x before 2.5.10.1 has incorrect exception handling and error-message generation during file-upload attempts, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted Content-Type, Content-Disposition, or Content-Length HTTP header, as exploited in the wild in March 2017 with a Content-Type header containing a #cmd= string.
Affected products
- apache struts
- ibm storwize v3500 firmware
- ibm storwize v5000 firmware
- ibm storwize v7000 firmware
- lenovo storage v5030 firmware
- hp server automation
- oracle weblogic server
- arubanetworks clearpass policy manager
- netapp oncommand balance
Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.
Required action (CISA)
Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal remediation deadline: 2022-05-03.
How to prioritize this
This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score. For the actively exploited vulnerabilities that matter this week, read The Exploit HQ daily security brief.
References
- http://blog.talosintelligence.com/2017/03/apache-0-day-exploited.html
- http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/cve-2017-5638-apache-struts-vulnerability-remote-code-execution/
- http://www.arubanetworks.com/assets/alert/ARUBA-PSA-2017-002.txt
- http://www.eweek.com/security/apache-struts-vulnerability-under-attack.html
- http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujul2017-3236622.html
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/96729
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037973
- https://arstechnica.com/security/2017/03/critical-vulnerability-under-massive-attack-imperils-high-impact-sites/
FAQ
Is CVE-2017-5638 actively exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2017-5638 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2021-11-03, with a federal remediation deadline of 2022-05-03. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2017-5638?
CVE-2017-5638 has a CVSS base score of 9.8 (Critical). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Related vulnerabilities
- CVE-2016-3081 — Apache Struts
- CVE-2013-2251 — Apache Struts
- CVE-2017-9805 — Apache Struts
- CVE-2020-17530 — Apache Struts
- CVE-2018-11776 — Apache Struts
- CVE-2026-34486 — Apache Tomcat
Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.
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