CVE-2017-5638: Apache Struts 2 RCE

CRITICAL
10CRITICAL
Published: 2017-03-06Affected: Apache Struts 2.x < 2.3.32 / 2.5.x < 2.5.10.1CWE-20

How was Apache Struts 2 exploited in the Equifax breach?

Remote code execution in Apache Struts 2 via a crafted Content-Type HTTP header in multipart upload requests. The Jakarta Multipart parser evaluates OGNL expressions in error messages, enabling arbitrary command execution.

Impact & Exploitation

Used in the Equifax breach (2017) that exposed personal data of 147 million people. One of the most consequential web application vulnerabilities in history.

How Precogs AI Detects Apache Struts 2 RCE

Precogs AI identifies Struts 2 in compiled Java web applications and detects vulnerable versions even when embedded in WAR files or deployed behind reverse proxies.

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Precogs Research

This vulnerability intelligence report was analyzed and enriched by the Precogs AI Security Team. Our researchers continuously monitor emerging threats across AI code, LLM pipelines, and binary architectures to ensure accurate real-time remediation guidance.