CVE-2012-0391
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitApache Struts Remote Java Code Execution
Published May 4, 2022 · Updated May 5, 2026 · Also known as GHSA-4wrr-9h5r-m92w
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2012-0391 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Struts (Apache), org.apache.struts:struts2-core (maven), org.apache.struts.xwork:xwork-core (maven).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Oct 13, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 76% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Struts 2.2.3.1, org.apache.struts:struts2-core 2.2.3.1, org.apache.struts.xwork:xwork-core 2.2.3.1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
76%
Higher than 99.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2012-0391 brief as a PDF
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Description
The ExceptionDelegator component in Apache Struts before 2.2.3.1 interprets parameter values as OGNL expressions during certain exception handling for mismatched data types of properties, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java code via a crafted parameter.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jan 21, 2022 | Jul 21, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Oct 13, 2021 | Jul 21, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Jan 21, 2022 | Jul 21, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Jan 21, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| StrutsApache | See advisory | 2.2.3.1 |
| org.apache.struts:struts2-coremaven | See advisory | 2.2.3.1 |
| org.apache.struts.xwork:xwork-coremaven | See advisory | 2.2.3.1 |
Patched Releases
Struts
2.2.3.1
org.apache.struts:struts2-core
2.2.3.1
org.apache.struts.xwork:xwork-core
2.2.3.1
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Oct 13, 2021
Added to CISA KEV
Jan 21, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jan 21, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jan 21, 2022
Publicly disclosed
May 4, 2022
Last updated
May 5, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-20 Improper Input Validation
- CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
References
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2012-0391
- exploitMSF struts_code_exec_exception_delegator.rb
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitExploitDB-18329
FAQ
Common Questions.
The ExceptionDelegator component in Apache Struts before 2.2.3.1 interprets parameter values as OGNL expressions during certain exception handling for mismatched data types of properties, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java code via a crafted parameter.
Affected: Struts (Apache); org.apache.struts:struts2-core (maven); org.apache.struts.xwork:xwork-core (maven). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Oct 13, 2021.
Yes. It was added on Jan 21, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Jul 21, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Struts 2.2.3.1, org.apache.struts:struts2-core 2.2.3.1, org.apache.struts.xwork:xwork-core 2.2.3.1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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