Exploited vulnerability · CISA KEV

Is CVE-2020-17530 exploited? Yes: in CISA KEV since 3 Nov 2021

Gociux · Apache Struts · data: CISA KEV, CVE record, FIRST EPSS

Yes. CVE-2020-17530, Apache Struts Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, is being exploited in the wild. CISA added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 3 Nov 2021, 327 days after it was published. It affects Apache Struts. If you run it, CISA's required action is: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

exploitedYesCISA KEV · 3 Nov 2021

ransomwareNot knownno confirmed use

EPSStop 1%among the most likely CVEs to be exploited

severity9.8CVSS 3.1 · critical

US federal due3 May 2022BOD 22-01 deadline

What it is

Forced Object-Graph Navigation Language (OGNL) evaluation in Apache Struts, when evaluated on raw user input in tag attributes, can lead to remote code execution.

Vendor	Apache (41 exploited CVEs in KEV)
Product	Struts
Vulnerability	Apache Struts Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Weakness	CWE-917
Published	11 Dec 2020
Added to KEV	3 Nov 2021
Reported by (CNA)	apache

What to do

Check whether you run it. Look for Struts in your asset inventory, including appliances and cloud images. Stack check lists every exploited Apache CVE at once.
Apply the fix. Apply updates per vendor instructions.
If you can't patch today, take the affected service off the internet or restrict who can reach it, and check its logs for signs of compromise since 11 Dec 2020.
Get told next time. Email alerts when CISA adds a CVE for Apache.

Other exploited CVEs in Struts

CVE-2016-3081: Apache Struts Command Injection Vulnerability (8 Oct 2026)
CVE-2013-2251: Apache Struts Improper Input Validation Vulnerability (25 Mar 2022)
CVE-2017-9805: Apache Struts Deserialization of Untrusted Data Vulnerability (3 Nov 2021)
CVE-2017-5638: Apache Struts Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (3 Nov 2021)
CVE-2018-11776: Apache Struts Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (3 Nov 2021)

References

nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-17530

Questions

Is CVE-2020-17530 being exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2020-17530 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 3 Nov 2021, which means there is reliable evidence of exploitation in the wild.

Is CVE-2020-17530 used in ransomware attacks?

CISA does not list known ransomware use for it. That can change, and exploitation alone is reason to fix it first.

How do I fix CVE-2020-17530?

Apply updates per vendor instructions. Check Apache's advisory for the fixed versions, and if you can't patch quickly, restrict access to the affected Struts and watch it for signs of compromise.

Sources: CISA KEV (exploitation, ransomware use, required action, due date), the CVE record (publication date, CVSS, CNA), NVD and FIRST EPSS (live score). More: all KEV additions in November 2021 · Apache scorecard · act-now radar.

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