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Vulnerability record · CVE-2012-0394 · published 8 January 2012

CVE-2012-0394: Apache Struts DebuggingInterceptor developer mode command execution

Apache · Struts

The DebuggingInterceptor component in Apache Struts before 2.3.1.1 permits remote command execution when developer mode is enabled. The vendor disputes that this is a vulnerability in itself, but the flaw allows arbitrary commands to be run on the server under the affected configuration.

6.8 CVSS 2.0 Medium EPSS 73% · top 0.6% CWE-94 · Code injection
6.8CVSS 2.0 base score
73%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
1Affected product versions listed by NVD
14References, 4 tagged exploit
16 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

The DebuggingInterceptor component in Apache Struts before 2.3.1.1, when developer mode is used, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via unspecified vectors. NOTE: the vendor characterizes this behavior as not "a security vulnerability itself.

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

Automated analysis

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

high priorityRemote code execution with public exploits and very high EPSS probability, though it requires developer mode to be enabled.

What it is

The DebuggingInterceptor component in Apache Struts before 2.3.1.1 permits remote command execution when developer mode is enabled. The vendor disputes that this is a vulnerability in itself, but the flaw allows arbitrary commands to be run on the server under the affected configuration.

Impact

An attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the host running the affected Struts application, leading to full compromise of the application and potentially the underlying server.

Attack surface

Reachable over the network via HTTP requests to a Struts application running in developer mode; no authentication is required, though the CVSS vector notes medium access complexity.

Exploitation

Public exploit code exists in Exploit-DB, and EPSS shows a high 30-day probability (0.729, 99.4th percentile), but the CVE is not listed in CISA KEV.

What to do

  • Upgrade Apache Struts to 2.3.1.1 or later.
  • Disable developer mode in production Struts deployments.
  • Restrict network access to Struts applications to trusted clients where feasible.
  • Monitor vendor advisories S2-008 and version notes for related fixes.

Detection

  • Inspect HTTP requests for DebuggingInterceptor parameters or debug-related endpoints.
  • Alert on unexpected child processes spawned by the Java/Struts application server.
  • Review application logs for developer mode being enabled in production.

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://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/bugtraq/2012-01/0031.html Broken Link
http://struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/s2-008.html Vendor Advisory
http://struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/version-notes-2311.html Release NotesVendor Advisory
http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/18329 ExploitThird Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/31434 ExploitThird Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
http://www.osvdb.org/78276 Broken Link
https://www.sec-consult.com/files/20120104-0_Apache_Struts2_Multiple_Critical_Vulnerabilities.txt Broken Link
http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/bugtraq/2012-01/0031.html Broken Link
http://struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/s2-008.html Vendor Advisory
http://struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/version-notes-2311.html Release NotesVendor Advisory
http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/18329 ExploitThird Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/31434 ExploitThird Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
http://www.osvdb.org/78276 Broken Link
https://www.sec-consult.com/files/20120104-0_Apache_Struts2_Multiple_Critical_Vulnerabilities.txt Broken Link

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Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2012-0394), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-26). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.