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Vulnerability record · CVE-2008-6505 · published 23 March 2009

CVE-2008-6505: Apache Struts 2 directory traversal via encoded dot-dot-slash in /struts/ URI

Apache · Struts

Apache Struts 2.0.x before 2.0.12 and 2.1.x before 2.1.3 contain multiple directory traversal flaws in FilterDispatcher (2.0.x) and DefaultStaticContentLoader (2.1.x). A remote attacker can supply a ..%252f sequence in a URI under a /struts/ path to escape the intended directory and read arbitrary files. The issue matters because it exposes server-side files without authentication.

5.0 CVSS 2.0 Medium EPSS 73% · top 0.6% CWE-22 · Path traversal
5.0CVSS 2.0 base score
73%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
1Affected product versions listed by NVD
14References
16 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Apache Struts 2.0.x before 2.0.12 and 2.1.x before 2.1.3 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a ..%252f (encoded dot dot slash) in a URI with a /struts/ path, related to (1) FilterDispatcher in 2.0.x and (2) DefaultStaticContentLoader in 2.1.x.

AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 18 September 2026. Confidence: medium.

high priorityUnauthenticated remote file read with a very high EPSS score, though the CVSS 2.0 base score is only 5.0 and no KEV listing exists.

What it is

Apache Struts 2.0.x before 2.0.12 and 2.1.x before 2.1.3 contain multiple directory traversal flaws in FilterDispatcher (2.0.x) and DefaultStaticContentLoader (2.1.x). A remote attacker can supply a ..%252f sequence in a URI under a /struts/ path to escape the intended directory and read arbitrary files. The issue matters because it exposes server-side files without authentication.

Impact

An unauthenticated attacker can read arbitrary files reachable by the application process, potentially disclosing configuration, credentials or source code. The CVSS 2.0 vector shows partial confidentiality impact only, with no integrity or availability effect.

Attack surface

Reached over the network by sending a crafted HTTP request containing ..%252f in a URI with a /struts/ path. The CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/Au:N) indicates no authentication and no user interaction are required.

Exploitation

Not listed in CISA KEV and no ransomware associations are documented. EPSS is high (0.72711, 99.4th percentile), but the reference tags are only Vendor Advisory, so no public exploit code is confirmed by this record.

What to do

  • Upgrade Apache Struts 2 to 2.0.12 or 2.1.3 (or later) as the primary fix.
  • If immediate upgrade is not possible, block or normalize requests containing ..%252f or encoded traversal sequences at the reverse proxy or WAF.
  • Restrict the web application process account to the minimum file system permissions needed to run.
  • Review and remove unnecessary static content mappings exposed under /struts/ paths.

Detection

  • Search web access logs for URIs containing ..%252f or ..%2f under /struts/ paths.
  • Alert on requests with double-encoded traversal patterns or unusual file extensions in /struts/ URLs.
  • Monitor for outbound or local file reads by the application process that fall outside expected content directories.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.

Affected products

1 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.

References

LinkTags
http://issues.apache.org/struts/browse/WW-2779
http://osvdb.org/49733
http://osvdb.org/49734
http://secunia.com/advisories/32497 Vendor Advisory
http://struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/s2-004.html Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/32104 Vendor Advisory
http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/3003 Vendor Advisory
http://issues.apache.org/struts/browse/WW-2779
http://osvdb.org/49733
http://osvdb.org/49734
http://secunia.com/advisories/32497 Vendor Advisory
http://struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/s2-004.html Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/32104 Vendor Advisory
http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/3003 Vendor Advisory

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2008-6505), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-26). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.