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Vulnerability record · CVE-2013-1966 · published 10 July 2013

CVE-2013-1966: Apache Struts 2 OGNL code injection via includeParams attribute

Apache · Struts

Apache Struts 2 before 2.3.14.2 fails to properly handle the includeParams attribute in URL and A tags, allowing crafted requests to inject and execute OGNL expressions. Because OGNL can reach Java runtime internals, this is a remote code execution flaw in a widely deployed web framework.

9.3 CVSS 2.0 High EPSS 74% · top 0.5% CWE-94 · Code injection
9.3CVSS 2.0 base score
74%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
1Affected product versions listed by NVD
8References
16 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

Apache Struts 2 before 2.3.14.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OGNL code via a crafted request that is not properly handled when using the includeParams attribute in the (1) URL or (2) A tag.

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

Automated analysis

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

critical priorityUnauthenticated remote code execution in a widely used framework with a very high EPSS score warrants immediate remediation.

What it is

Apache Struts 2 before 2.3.14.2 fails to properly handle the includeParams attribute in URL and A tags, allowing crafted requests to inject and execute OGNL expressions. Because OGNL can reach Java runtime internals, this is a remote code execution flaw in a widely deployed web framework.

Impact

An unauthenticated remote attacker can execute arbitrary code in the context of the application server, leading to full compromise of confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Attack surface

Reachable over the network through HTTP requests to Struts 2 applications that use the URL or A tag with includeParams; no authentication is required, though the CVSS vector notes medium access complexity.

Exploitation

Not listed in CISA KEV and no public exploit tag appears in the references, but EPSS is very high (0.737, 99.4th percentile), indicating strong likelihood of exploitation activity.

What to do

  • Upgrade Apache Struts 2 to 2.3.14.2 or later immediately.
  • If upgrade is not possible, avoid or disable the includeParams attribute in URL and A tags.
  • Apply vendor guidance from S2-013 and any available WAF rules blocking OGNL payloads in request parameters.
  • Inventory internet-facing Struts 2 applications and prioritize those exposing URL/A tags with includeParams.

Detection

  • Inspect HTTP requests for OGNL syntax such as %{, #, or java.lang.Runtime in parameters tied to URL/A tags.
  • Monitor application and web server logs for anomalous parameter values and unexpected process execution.
  • Alert on outbound connections or child processes spawned by the Java application server.
  • Review WAF and proxy logs for repeated crafted requests targeting Struts action endpoints.

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://struts.apache.org/development/2.x/docs/s2-013.html Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/60166 Third Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=967656 Third Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/WW/S2-013 Vendor Advisory
http://struts.apache.org/development/2.x/docs/s2-013.html Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/60166 Third Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=967656 Third Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/WW/S2-013 Vendor Advisory

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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-2013-1966), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-26). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.