1. Introduction
The vulnerability “Apache Struts struts-cookbook processSimple.do message Paramet…” is a cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw in the demonstration application for the Struts framework. This allows an attacker to inject malicious HTML and script code into a user’s browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or defacement of the website. Systems running the vulnerable struts-cookbook application are affected. A successful exploit could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
2. Technical Explanation
- Root cause: Missing input validation on the ‘message’ parameter of the ‘processSimple.do’ page.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker crafts a URL with malicious JavaScript code in the ‘message’ parameter, then tricks a user into clicking it. For example:
http://example.com/struts-cookbook/processSimple.do?message= - Scope: The Struts-cookbook application is affected.
3. Detection and Assessment
To confirm vulnerability, check if the struts-cookbook application is running and accessible. Thorough assessment involves attempting to inject a simple XSS payload and observing its execution in a browser.
- Quick checks: Verify that the Struts-cookbook application is hosted on your web server by accessing it through a web browser.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16eaf1b can identify this vulnerability, but results should be verified manually.
- Logs and evidence: Examine web server logs for requests to ‘processSimple.do’ with suspicious parameters containing HTML tags or JavaScript code.
# No command available as it is a web application check. Access the application in a browser.4. Solution / Remediation Steps
Remove or restrict access to the Struts-cookbook application to mitigate this vulnerability. This is the recommended solution, as the application is a demonstration tool and not intended for production use.
4.1 Preparation
- Backups are not required as it’s a demo app. Stop the web server hosting the application if necessary.
- There are no dependencies or pre-requisites. Rollback involves restoring access to the Struts-cookbook application, which is simple but should be avoided.
- Change window needs are minimal; approval from IT security may be required depending on internal policies.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Stop the web server or service hosting the Struts-cookbook application.
- Step 2: Remove the application files and directories from the web server.
- Step 3: Verify that the application is no longer accessible through a web browser.
4.3 Config or Code Example
No config or code changes are needed, as the solution involves removing the vulnerable application.
Before
The Struts-cookbook application is accessible on the web server.After
The Struts-cookbook application is no longer accessible on the web server. A 404 or similar error should be returned.4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
- Practice 2: Least privilege – Run web applications with the minimum necessary privileges to limit the impact of potential exploits.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
No automation is recommended for this vulnerability, as the solution involves removing a demonstration application.
5. Verification / Validation
Confirm that the fix worked by attempting to access the Struts-cookbook application through a web browser. A successful remediation will result in an error message indicating that the resource is not found. Perform a simple service smoke test on other web applications hosted on the server.
- Post-fix check: Accessing the Struts-cookbook URL should return a 404 or similar error.
- Re-test: Attempt to inject an XSS payload into any remaining web applications and verify that it is not executed.
- Smoke test: Verify that other web applications hosted on the server are functioning as expected.
# No command available, access the application in a browser. Expected output: 404 Not Found or similar error.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
- Baselines: Update security baselines to include restrictions on running unnecessary demonstration applications on production servers.
- Pipelines: Implement SAST tools in CI/CD pipelines to identify potential XSS vulnerabilities during development.
- Asset and patch process: Regularly review the list of installed applications and remove any that are not required for business operations.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
- Roll back: Restore access to the Struts-cookbook application by redeploying the files and directories to the web server. This is not recommended.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://secpod.org/blog/?p=450
- NVD or CVE entry: CVE-2012-1007
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: No specific documentation available as it is a demo application.