1. Introduction
The vulnerability “Apache Struts 2 struts2-rest-showcase orders ‘clientName’ Para…” is a persistent cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw in the Struts2-rest-showcase demonstration application. This allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially stealing cookies or redirecting them to harmful sites. Systems running the vulnerable Struts2-rest-showcase application are affected. Impact is likely on confidentiality, integrity and availability due to potential script execution.
2. Technical Explanation
- Root cause: Missing input validation on the ‘clientName’ parameter in the orders page of the Struts2-rest-showcase application.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker crafts a malicious URL containing JavaScript code within the ‘clientName’ parameter. When a user visits this URL, the injected script is executed in their browser. For example:
http://example.com/struts2-rest-showcase/orders?clientName= - Scope: Affected systems are those running the Struts2-rest-showcase demonstration application.
3. Detection and Assessment
To confirm vulnerability, check if the Struts2-rest-showcase application is running and accessible. Thorough assessment involves attempting to inject a test XSS payload.
- Quick checks: Verify that the Struts2-rest-showcase application is not exposed on public networks.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16eaf1b can identify this vulnerability, but results should be verified manually.
- Logs and evidence: Examine web server logs for requests containing suspicious characters or script tags in the ‘clientName’ parameter of the orders page.
# No specific command available - check application accessibility4. Solution / Remediation Steps
Remove or restrict access to the Struts2-rest-showcase application.
4.1 Preparation
- Dependencies: None. Roll back involves restoring access to the Struts2-rest-showcase application from backups or redeploying it.
- Change window needs: Minimal, but notify relevant teams of planned downtime if applicable.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Remove the Struts2-rest-showcase application from the web server.
- Step 2: If removal is not possible, restrict access to the application using firewall rules or web server configuration.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
# Struts2-rest-showcase application is accessible via HTTP/HTTPSAfter
# Struts2-rest-showcase application is inaccessible. Firewall rules block access, or the application has been removed.4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
- Practice 1: Least privilege – restrict access to sensitive applications and data to only authorized users.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
No automation is suitable for this specific vulnerability, as the solution involves removing or restricting access to a demonstration application.
5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Attempt to access the orders page via a web browser; expect an error message or connection refused.
- Re-test: Repeat the earlier detection method (attempting to inject XSS payload) and confirm it’s no longer successful.
- Smoke test: Verify that other web applications on the server are functioning as expected.
# No specific command available - check application accessibility via browser6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
- Baselines: Update security baselines to include restrictions on running demonstration applications in production environments.
- Pipelines: Implement static code analysis (SAST) tools to identify potential XSS vulnerabilities during development.
- Asset and patch process: Regularly review deployed assets for unnecessary or outdated applications like Struts2-rest-showcase.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
- Risk or side effect 1: Removing the application may impact developers who use it for testing purposes. Mitigation: Communicate changes clearly to affected teams.
- Roll back: Restore access to the Struts2-rest-showcase application from backups or redeploy it if necessary.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://secpod.org/blog/?p=450
- NVD or CVE entry: /cve/CVE-2012-1006
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: None available for a demonstration application.