CVE-2017-12611
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitApache Struts 2.0.1 uses an unintentional expression in a Freemarker tag instead of string literal
Published Oct 16, 2018 · Updated Jul 8, 2026 · Also known as GHSA-8fx9-5hx8-crhm
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2017-12611 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Struts (Apache), org.apache.struts:struts2-core (maven).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Apr 15, 2024. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 87% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including org.apache.struts:struts2-core 2.3.34, org.apache.struts:struts2-core 2.5.11.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
87%
Higher than 99.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2017-12611 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
In Apache Struts 2.0.0 through 2.3.33 and 2.5 through 2.5.10.1, using an unintentional expression in a Freemarker tag instead of string literals can lead to a RCE attack.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 15, 2024 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
92 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| StrutsApache | 2.0.1, 2.0.10, 2.0.11, 2.0.11.1, 2.0.11.2, 2.0.12, 2.0.13, 2.0.14 | n/a |
| org.apache.struts:struts2-coremaven | >= 2.0.1 | 2.5.11 |
Patched Releases
org.apache.struts:struts2-core
2.3.34, 2.5.11
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Oct 16, 2018
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 15, 2024
Last updated
Jul 8, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-20 Improper Input Validation
References
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-12611
- advisory100829
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
In Apache Struts 2.0.0 through 2.3.33 and 2.5 through 2.5.10.1, using an unintentional expression in a Freemarker tag instead of string literals can lead to a RCE attack.
Affected: Struts (Apache) versions 2.0.1, 2.0.10, 2.0.11, 2.0.11.1, 2.0.11.2, 2.0.12, 2.0.13, 2.0.14; org.apache.struts:struts2-core (maven) versions >= 2.0.1. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Apr 15, 2024.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including org.apache.struts:struts2-core 2.3.34, org.apache.struts:struts2-core 2.5.11.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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