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CVE-2006-1547: High Vulnerability in Apache Struts

A high-severity denial-of-service vulnerability exists in Apache Struts prior to version 1.2.9. Attackers can exploit this flaw to disrupt service availability. Immediate patching is recommended.

HIGHKnown ExploitedCVSS 7.5 · Published March 30, 2006

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CVE-2006-1547 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Apache Struts versions prior to 1.2.9. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (DoS) through a multipart/form-data encoded form. The issue arises when a parameter name references the public getMultipartRequestHandler method, enabling further access to elements in the CommonsMultipartRequestHandler implementation and BeanUtils. The vulnerability was published on March 30, 2006, and is classified as having a CVSS score of 7.5, indicating a high severity.

Risk to organizations includes potential disruption of service availability, which may lead to significant operational impacts. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to exploit public-facing applications, leading to lost revenue and damaged reputation. Organizations using affected versions of Apache Struts should prioritize patching immediately.

The vulnerability has been recognized in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating that it could potentially be exploited in the wild. Organizations must stay informed about the status of this vulnerability and ensure they are applying the necessary updates as specified by the vendor.

Given the high severity and availability impact of this vulnerability, organizations are urged to address it in their priority patch cycle. Regular security assessments should include checks for vulnerabilities like CVE-2006-1547 to safeguard against potential exploitation.

Vulnerability Details

The official description of CVE-2006-1547 states that ActionForm in Apache Software Foundation (ASF) Struts before version 1.2.9, when used with BeanUtils 1.7, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.5, categorized as high severity. This vulnerability is associated with CWE-749.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper handling of multipart/form-data requests. The attack vector is network-based, allowing remote exploitation without requiring authentication or user interaction. The attack complexity is low, making it easy for attackers to exploit this vulnerability. The impact on availability is significant, as it can lead to complete service disruption.

Risk & Impact Analysis

The real-world risk associated with CVE-2006-1547 is substantial due to its ability to disrupt service availability. Organizations must consider the potential blast radius, particularly if the affected application is critical to business operations. Given the high CVSS score and its inclusion in the KEV catalog, the urgency for remediation is critical. Organizations should prioritize this vulnerability in their patch management processes to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

Yes

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

Apache Struts versions prior to 1.2.9 are affected by this vulnerability. If version information is missing, it is crucial to note that all versions prior to vendor patch should be considered vulnerable.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations should apply updates per vendor instructions to remediate this vulnerability. To ensure protection against similar vulnerabilities, conducting a thorough penetration testing program is recommended. Monitoring systems for abnormal behavior and implementing strict access controls can further mitigate risks.

Detection Guidance

Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts, which may include unusual access patterns or resource exhaustion. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in application performance could signify an ongoing attack.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

The long-term significance of CVE-2006-1547 highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and adhering to security best practices. It represents a trend of vulnerabilities that can exploit commonly used libraries and frameworks. Security teams should learn from such incidents to enhance their defensive strategies. Continuous education on emerging threats and proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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