# CVE-2012-0392: Apache Struts2 - RCE

> Live exploitation tracking for CVE-2012-0392 by the CrowdSec Live Exploit Tracker, built from real-world attack data crowdsourced from CrowdSec's global network.

Page: https://tracker.crowdsec.net/cves/CVE-2012-0392

## Key facts

- **Exploitation phase:** Background Noise. Continuous low-level scanning or exploitation attempts are observed, mostly opportunistic and automated.
- **CVSS score:** 6.8
- **Public exploit available:** Yes
- **Affected products:** Apache Struts
- **Weaknesses:** CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation)
- **Tags:** java

## Description

The CookieInterceptor component in Apache Struts before 2.3.1.1 does not use the parameter-name whitelist, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted HTTP Cookie header that triggers Java code execution through a static method.

## CrowdSec analysis

[CVE-2012-0392](https://euvd.enisa.europa.eu/vulnerability/CVE-2012-0392) is a vulnerability in Apache Struts, where the CookieInterceptor component can allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands due to inadequate parameter filtering, leading to potential Java code execution.

CrowdSec has been tracking this vulnerability and its exploits since 22nd of April 2024.

CrowdSec network data shows that most actors exploiting CVE-2012-0392 rely on broad, untargeted scans with minimal filtering. The activity is largely automated and opportunistic in nature.
CrowdSec data also reveals a clear uptick in attacks involving CVE-2012-0392 over the past week. Activity is above the usual baseline, suggesting growing attention from attackers. This may reflect rising awareness, recent exploit releases, or expanded targeting efforts.

The vulnerability is being leveraged through carefully crafted requests, mainly targeting URLs containing `/devmode.action` alongside parameters that enable debug command execution.

## Timeline

- 2012-01-08: CVE Published. CVE-2012-0392 is published to NVD.
- 2024-04-22: Rule Released. CrowdSec releases a rule to detect CVE-2012-0392 exploitation attempts against the CrowdSec Network.
- 2024-11-23: CrowdSec First Seen. CrowdSec observes in-the-wild exploitation of CVE-2012-0392 for the first time.

## References

- https://github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei-templates/blob/main/http/cves/2012/CVE-2012-0392.yaml
- http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/18329

## Live exploitation data

The [Live Exploit Tracker page](https://tracker.crowdsec.net/cves/CVE-2012-0392) follows observed exploitation activity for CVE-2012-0392. [Request an API key](https://tracker.crowdsec.net/request-api-key) for full access to its exploitation timeline, attacking IP addresses and blocklists.