CVE-2017-5638
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitApache Struts vulnerable to remote arbitrary command execution due to improper input validation
Published Oct 18, 2018 · Updated Jul 8, 2026 · Also known as GHSA-j77q-2qqg-6989
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2017-5638 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Struts (Apache), Clearpass Policy Manager (Arubanetworks), Server Automation (Hp) and 7 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 11, 2017 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 100% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Struts 2.3.32, Clearpass Policy Manager 6.6.5, org.apache.struts:struts2-core 2.3.32.
- 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)
100%
Higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2017-5638 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 11, 2017 | May 3, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
22 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| StrutsApache | >= 2.3.x before 2.3.32 | 2.3.32 |
| Clearpass Policy ManagerArubanetworks | See advisory | 6.6.5 |
| Server AutomationHp | 10.0.0, 10.1.0, 10.2.0, 10.5.0, 9.1.0 | n/a |
| Oncommand BalanceNetapp | See advisory | n/a |
| Weblogic ServerOracle | 10.3.6.0.0, 12.1.3.0.0, 12.2.1.1.0, 12.2.1.2.0 | n/a |
Patched Releases
Struts
2.3.32
Clearpass Policy Manager
6.6.5
org.apache.struts:struts2-core
2.3.32, 2.5.10.1
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 11, 2017
Publicly disclosed
Oct 18, 2018
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Jul 8, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-20 Improper Input Validation
- CWE-755 Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions
References
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-5638
- advisoryhttps://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20170310-0001/
- advisoryhttps://www.imperva.com/blog/2017/03/cve-2017-5638-new-remote-code-execution-rce-vulnerability-in-apache-struts-2/
- exploithttp://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/cve-2017-5638-apache-struts-vulnerability-remote-code-execution/
FAQ
Common Questions.
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 he…
Affected: Struts (Apache) versions >= 2.3.x before 2.3.32; Clearpass Policy Manager (Arubanetworks); Server Automation (Hp) versions 10.0.0, 10.1.0, 10.2.0, 10.5.0, 9.1.0, among others. 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 Mar 11, 2017 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of May 3, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Struts 2.3.32, Clearpass Policy Manager 6.6.5, org.apache.struts:struts2-core 2.3.32.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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