CVE-2012-0391
Confirmed PUBLISHEDThe ExceptionDelegator component in Apache Struts before 2.2.3.1 interprets parameter values as OGNL expressions during certain exception handling...
Recommended Action
Prioritize remediation. Validate affected assets and apply vendor fixes on an accelerated timeline.
At a Glance
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.
- CVE Published
- Jan 08, 2012
- Exploitation Reported
- Jan 21, 2022
- CVSS
- 9.8 Critical
- EPSS
- —
Affected Versions
| Vendor | Product | Version | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a |
n/a
|
n/a |
Affected |
CVE References
- 47393 secunia.com · Third-Party Advisory http://secunia.com/advisories/47393
- 18329 exploit-db.com · Exploit http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/18329
- 20120105 SEC Consult SA-20120104-0 :: Multiple critical vulnerabilities in Apache Struts2 archives.neohapsis.com · Mailing List http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/bugtraq/2012-01/0031.html
- struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/version-notes-2311.html struts.apache.org · CVE Record http://struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/version-notes-2311.html
- struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/s2-008.html struts.apache.org · CVE Record http://struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/s2-008.html
Show 2 more references
- sec-consult.com/files/20120104-0_Apache_Struts2_Multiple_Cri... sec-consult.com · CVE Record https://www.sec-consult.com/files/20120104-0_Apache_Struts2_Multiple_...
- issues.apache.org/jira/browse/WW-3668 issues.apache.org · CVE Record https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/WW-3668
Recommended Actions
- Prioritize remediation. Validate affected assets and apply vendor fixes on an accelerated timeline.
- Check enrichment artifacts for scanner coverage and available PoCs before rolling remediation validation.
- Use the Pro API to automate enrichment, telemetry, and workflow delivery for VM, SOC, and CTI pipelines.
Known Exploited Vulnerability Sources
Catalogues that list this CVE as a known exploited vulnerability.
Per-source evidence links for KEV attestations are available through the KEVIntel Pro API.
Learn about Pro API access| Source | Added |
|---|---|
| CISA First | 2022-01-21 00:00 UTC |
Scanner Artifacts
Nuclei and Metasploit references linked to this CVE.
| Scanner | Reference | Detected |
|---|---|---|
| Metasploit | https://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/blob/master/modules/exploits/multi/http/struts_code_exec_exception_delegator.rb | Apr 28, 2025 |
Virtual Patch
Compensating WAF rules to help reduce exposure to this CVE. Rule content and deployable vendor exports are available with KEVIntel Enterprise.
KEVIntel does not currently have a virtual patch for this CVE. When available, KEVIntel virtual patches ship as deployable ModSecurity, Cloudflare, and AWS WAF rules.
Enterprise feature. Virtual patch rule content and deployable vendor exports (ModSecurity, Cloudflare, AWS WAF) are available to KEVIntel Enterprise users.
CVSS Scores
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
Exploitation Status
Exploited in the wild
Recorded 2022-01-21 00:00:00 UTC · CISA
Proof of concept available
Recorded 2025-04-28 15:02:23 UTC
Weaknesses (CWE)
-
Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
Scanner Integrations
| Scanner | Reference | Detected |
|---|---|---|
| Metasploit | https://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/blob/master/modules/exploits/multi/http/struts_code_exec_exception_delegator.rb | Apr 28, 2025 |
Potential Proof of Concepts
These PoCs are unverified and could contain malware. Use at your own risk.
metasploit · Created Unknown
Metasploit module for CVE-2012-0391
Timeline
Key exploitation, disclosure, scanner coverage, and KEV attestation events for this CVE.
-
15:02 UTC about 1 year ago15:02 UTC · about 1 year ago
Metasploit module available
Exploit module available
-
15:02 UTC about 1 year ago15:02 UTC · about 1 year ago
Public PoC available
Public proof-of-concept code published
-
00:00 UTC over 4 years ago00:00 UTC · over 4 years ago
Added to CISA KEV
Listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
-
15:00 UTC over 14 years ago15:00 UTC · over 14 years ago
CVE published
Vulnerability disclosed publicly
-
00:00 UTC over 14 years ago00:00 UTC · over 14 years ago
CVE ID reserved
Identifier reserved by the CNA
Automate This Intelligence with the Pro API
Confidence scoring, exploit status, sensor telemetry, PoCs, scanner integrations, mentions, and tags are available programmatically for VM, SOC, and CTI workflows.
Pro API Example
GET /api/v2/pro/kevs/CVE-2012-0391
{
"cve_id": "CVE-2012-0391",
"title": "The ExceptionDelegator component in Apache Struts before 2.2.3.1 interprets p...",
"affected_vendor": "Apache",
"affected_product": "Struts",
"affected_versions": [
{ "vendor": "...", "product": "...", "status": "affected", "display_label": "..." }
],
"confidence": "Confirmed",
"cvss_score": 9.8,
"epss_score": null,
"exploit_status": {
"exploited_in_the_wild": true,
"active_exploitation_observed": false
},
"sensor_telemetry": { "...": "Pro API fields" },
"proof_of_concepts": [ "..." ],
"scanner_integrations": [ "..." ]
}