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Key Takeaways
- A new critical vulnerability (CVE-2024-53677) affects Apache Struts 2.5.33, a version that will not receive an official patch from Apache.
- Continuing to run EOL versions like 2.5.33 leaves your applications exposed to attackers.
- TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support (ELS) delivers ongoing patches for EOL Struts 2.5.33, ensuring continued protection without a forced, costly migration.
Apache Struts is an open-source web app framework commonly used by enterprises for the development of large-scale Java web applications. It has enjoyed this long-standing popularity because of its flexibility and MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture as well as its proven track record in supporting mission-critical services in well-known areas of finance, government, healthcare, and telecommunications.
Yet such popularity makes it equally attractive for attackers. Whenever a critical security vulnerability is found, those who don’t patch quickly become sitting ducks. The risk is even greater today because many businesses still use Apache Struts 2.5.33, which reached End of Life (EOL) in December 2023 — meaning the Apache Software Foundation no longer provides software patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities.
In this article, we will look at recent Apache Struts vulnerabilities, explore the dangers of running unsupported versions like 2.5.33, and learn how to approach the vulnerability management process in a way that ensures your older applications are secure from cyber events and compliant with regulatory frameworks.
Recent Apache Struts Vulnerabilities & Their Fixes
Two critical Struts vulnerabilities have emerged recently, highlighting the urgent need for a robust cyber security patching strategy.
CVE-2023-50164
With a very high CVSS score of 9.8, this flaw affects many Apache Struts versions. This is a path traversal vulnerability that improperly allows an attacker to manipulate file upload parameters to slip a malicious file into a location never intended by the developer and further trigger remote code execution. It got fixed via a security update delivery in releases 2.5.33 and 6.3.0.2.
CVE-2024-53677
Another critical flaw within the framework’s file upload logic, with its own horror show CVSS score. An unauthenticated remote attacker could perform system path traversal and upload malicious files. There are many vulnerable versions impacted by this CVE, including 2.5.33, but this flaw was fixed in the security update for version 6.4.0.
CVEs at a Glance
|
CVE ID |
Severity (CVSS v3 Score |
Impact |
Affected Versions |
|
CVE-2024-53677 |
9.8 Critical |
Remote Code Execution (via file upload/path traversal) |
2.0.0 before 6.4.0 |
|
CVE-2023-50164 |
9.8 Critical |
Remote Code Execution (via file upload/path traversal) |
Before 2.5.33 or 6.3.0.2 |
|
CVE-2017-5638 |
9.8 Critical |
Remote Code Execution (via crafted Content-Type header in file upload) |
2.3.x before 2.3.32 and 2.5.x before 2.5.10.1 |
The Equifax Breach: A Lesson in Struts Security
For many, the name Apache Struts brings to mind one of the most infamous cyberattacks in history: the 2017 Equifax data breach. The breach was caused by Equifax’s failure to patch a critical vulnerability in Apache Struts. That incident stands as a case study in what can happen to an organization’s security posture when critical vulnerabilities go unpatched.
The root cause was CVE-2017-5638, an RCE (Remote Code Execution) vulnerability in Struts’ file upload function. The Apache Software Foundation released a fix in March 2017 along with a clear security advisory. Equifax, however, failed to apply the patch, thereby leaving the door open for online attacks by malicious actors.
Source: NVD (CVE-2017-5638)
The consequences were staggering. Hackers exploited this cyber security vulnerability to gain access to the personal data of over 147 million people, including Social Security numbers, birth dates, and addresses. Equifax ended up facing millions in settlements, legal costs, and remediation expenses; not to mention the irreparable damage to its reputation.
Ignoring a security patch is too huge a risk to take. It shows that even if their vendor provides a patch, it is the user who bears responsibility for timely deployment. And now, in a landscape of cybersecurity where new vulnerabilities are discovered every day, the risks only get bigger when software hits end of life and stops receiving any new patches.
Risks of Running Apache Struts 2.5.33 (EOL)
While the Equifax breach and recent critical vulnerabilities demonstrate the importance of patching, the immediate concern for users of Apache Struts 2.5.33 is ongoing and future risk. As of April 2024, the Apache Struts 2.5.x branch has officially reached end of life, making version 2.5.33 an unsupported framework.
This EOL status creates a dangerous security and business challenge:
No Official Patches
With no official support, any new vulnerabilities discovered in Apache Struts 2.5.33 remain without a patch issued by the Apache Software Foundation. If a critical vulnerability appears, such as recent remote code execution flaws, applications remain exposed without a first-party fix, leaving them indefinitely vulnerable.
Attackers Target Legacy Systems
Cybercriminals know that legacy, EOL software is low-hanging fruit. They actively scan for known flaws in older frameworks, confident that many organizations will not apply fixes. As a result, unpatched applications become prime targets for a cyber threat.
For information about Apache CXF EOL risks and how outdated web service frameworks expose APIs to similar threats, check out our detailed guide.
Expert Picks: What to Read Next
- [EOL ≠RIP] Learn how attackers exploit unpatched open-source operating systems.
- Running an out-of-support version of a runtime, library, app, or OS? Here’s how to stay secure with TuxCare.
- CentOS Stream vs. CentOS Linux: Learn when migration makes sense and when it doesn’t.
- Stop compliance nightmares before they start: Discover how to stay audit-ready when your  OS hits end of life.
Compliance and Regulatory Risks
Organizations in well-known areas impacted by popular regulations (e.g., PCI DSS, HIPAA, or SOC 2) face severe consequences when running unsupported software. These standards require organizations to maintain secure, up-to-date systems and a well-documented security policy. A known, unpatched vulnerability can lead to audit failures, substantial fines, and reputational damage.
The Hidden Costs of Insecurity
Running an insecure application costs more than just the risk of a breach due to potential vulnerabilities. Development teams are often pulled from innovation projects to handle emergency fixes, increasing technical debt and making future migrations more complex and expensive. This means that for teams that cannot perform a costly and disruptive migration, a proven alternative solution is no longer optional — it’s essential.
TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support for Apache Struts 2.5.33
For organizations that cannot afford an immediate, costly, and disruptive migration, the security risks of EOL software, and the potential vulnerabilities it can introduce, can feel overwhelming. TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support (ELS) for Apache Struts provides a secure and reliable way to maintain your application’s security and compliance.
TuxCare’s ELS is an enterprise-grade service that extends the life of your Apache Struts 2.5.33 deployments by providing continuous security update continuation long after the official EOL date. TuxCare monitors new vulnerabilities, develops patches, and delivers them directly to your systems.
The key benefits of this approach are:
Continuous Security
TuxCare provides rapid, SLA-backed security patches for new CVEs that emerge in the Apache Struts 2.5.33 framework. This ensures your application remains protected from the latest threats for as long as you need.
Preserved Compatibility
Each security update is extensively tested to work flawlessly with your existing code and dependencies. This eliminates the risk of an unstable or broken application that often comes with a complex, forced migration to a newer version.
Avoids Costly and Disruptive Migrations
ELS removes the pressure of an urgent, time-consuming migration. It allows your teams to stay focused on development while planning future upgrades on their own terms — without leaving security gaps in your critical infrastructure in the meantime.
Stay on Your End-of-Life Version – Safely
Endless Lifecycle Support (ELS) continues sending security patches for out-of-support open-source tools in your stack – from runtimes and libraries to OSs and applications.
Secure Your Apache Struts with TuxCare
Running an end-of-life framework like Apache Struts 2.5.33 is a calculated risk — one that leaves your business exposed to unpatched vulnerabilities, regulatory non-compliance, and the potential for a major breach. With the right approach, you don’t have to choose between security and operational stability.
TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support for Apache Struts offers a secure, reliable, and cost-effective solution. It delivers the essential security patches your applications need, letting you maintain integrity without the disruptive and often unfeasible process of a full-scale migration.
Don’t let a legacy framework become your organization’s next major security liability. Take control of your security and gain the peace of mind that comes with continuous, expert support.
