CVE-2017-9805
HighExploitedPublic exploitREST Plugin in Apache Struts uses an XStreamHandler with an instance of XStream for deserialization without any type filtering
Published Oct 16, 2018 · Updated Jul 8, 2026 · Also known as GHSA-gg9m-fj3v-r58c
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2017-9805 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.1 v3.1) affecting Struts (Apache), Digital Media Manager (Cisco), Hosted Collaboration Solution (Cisco) and 5 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 3, 2021 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 99% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Struts 2.3.34, org.apache.struts:struts2-rest-plugin 2.3.34, org.apache.struts:struts2-rest-plugin 2.5.13.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
8.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
99%
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-2017-9805 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
The REST Plugin in Apache Struts 2.1.1 through 2.3.x before 2.3.34 and 2.5.x before 2.5.13 uses an XStreamHandler with an instance of XStream for deserialization without any type filtering, which can lead to Remote Code Execution when deserializing XML payloads.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
13 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| StrutsApache | >= Apache Struts before 2.3.34 and 2.5.x before 2.5.13 | 2.3.34 |
| Digital Media ManagerCisco | See advisory | n/a |
| Hosted Collaboration SolutionCisco | 10.5\(1\), 11.0\(1\), 11.5\(1\), 11.6\(1\) | n/a |
| Media Experience EngineCisco | 3.5, 3.5.2 | n/a |
| Network Performance AnalysisCisco | See advisory | n/a |
Patched Releases
Struts
2.3.34
org.apache.struts:struts2-rest-plugin
2.3.34, 2.5.13
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Oct 16, 2018
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to Industry KEV feed
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-502 Deserialization of Untrusted Data
References
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-9805
- advisoryhttps://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20170907-0001/
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
The REST Plugin in Apache Struts 2.1.1 through 2.3.x before 2.3.34 and 2.5.x before 2.5.13 uses an XStreamHandler with an instance of XStream for deserialization without any type filtering, which can lead to Remote Code Execution when deserializing XML payloads.
Affected: Struts (Apache) versions >= Apache Struts before 2.3.34 and 2.5.x before 2.5.13; Digital Media Manager (Cisco); Hosted Collaboration Solution (Cisco) versions 10.5\(1\), 11.0\(1\), 11.5\(1\), 11.6\(1\), 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 Nov 3, 2021 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 2.3.34, org.apache.struts:struts2-rest-plugin 2.3.34, org.apache.struts:struts2-rest-plugin 2.5.13.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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