CVE-2024-53677 Patch from HeroDevs: Stay Secure on End-of-Life Apache Struts

Overview

A critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability—CVE-2024-53677—has been discovered in Apache Struts. The flaw stems from a path traversal weakness in the legacy FileUploadInterceptor component. Under the right conditions, attackers can manipulate upload parameters to place malicious files in unauthorized locations, potentially enabling remote code execution.

Because older Apache Struts versions (2.0.0–2.3.37 and 2.5.0–2.5.33) are no longer supported by the official maintainers, many organizations have concluded that “patching isn’t enough” and that they must upgrade to Struts 6.4.0 or higher, adopting the newer “Action File Upload” mechanism. While this might work for some organizations, HeroDevs has proven that there is a solution for teams unwilling or unable to rip out the older file upload interceptor. With our Never-Ending Support (NES) for Apache Struts, we provide a patch for these legacy versions that effectively mitigates CVE-2024-53677—no mandatory framework overhaul required.

In this article, we’ll detail the vulnerability, the official guidance, and how HeroDevs’ patching solution keeps your legacy Struts systems secure.

What Is CVE-2024-53677?

• Vulnerability Name: CVE-2024-53677
• Severity: Critical (CVSS 9.5)
• Impact: Remote Code Execution via Path Traversal
• Affected Versions:some text
  • Struts 2.0.0 through 2.3.37 (EOL)
  • Struts 2.5.0 through 2.5.33 (EOL)
  • Struts 6.0.0 through 6.3.0.2

At a high level, the FileUploadInterceptor in Struts fails to properly sanitize file paths, allowing an attacker to craft malicious upload parameters that write files to unintended directories. In the worst case, this leads to an RCE scenario where an attacker gains control over your server or network.

Official Response: “Upgrade & Rewrite”

The official Apache Struts security bulletin for CVE-2024-53677 recommends:

1. Upgrading to Struts 6.4.0+ – This version introduces the new “Action File Upload Interceptor.”
2. Rewriting your Code – Because the new interceptor is not backward-compatible, developers must overhaul their actions and configuration to move away from the deprecated file upload mechanism.

For teams who maintain older, mission-critical apps or heavily customized codebases, this rewiring can be cumbersome. Legacy Struts deployments often live in organizations where thorough testing, regulatory compliance, and complex dependencies make “simple” upgrades a logistical nightmare.

In other words, the official recommendation is correct for new and actively maintained projects—but what about the rest of us?

The Myth: “Patching Isn’t Enough”

Some recent coverage of CVE-2024-53677 has suggested that patching is insufficient or that no patch is available for EOL (end-of-life) versions. In part, this impression stems from Apache’s own stance: the community no longer maintains older Struts lines, so official code changes to those versions are off the table.

However, HeroDevs took a different approach:

1. We reproduced the vulnerability in a private repository.
2. We made a fix against the legacy file upload path in the legacy version.
3. We tested the fix against our proof-of-concept exploit and additional test cases to ensure it closes the security gap.

As a result, we offer a genuine patch for your older Struts applications that neutralizes the vulnerability—even if you decide not to upgrade to 6.4.0 yet.

HeroDevs’ NES for Struts: A Real Fix for Legacy Systems

Never-Ending Support (NES) is our commercial solution providing post-EOL security patches and extended maintenance for frameworks like Apache Struts. Specifically for CVE-2024-53677, HeroDevs includes:

• Security Patch: We provide a fully tested patch that resolves the file upload path traversal issue in the legacy Struts branches.
• Security Validation: We run your patched applications through thorough security scans to verify the fix.
• Compatibility Assurance: No forced rewrites. Our patch is designed to drop into existing applications that rely on FileUploadInterceptor.
• Ongoing Support: Because new vulnerabilities emerge regularly, our NES subscribers automatically receive future fixes for older Struts versions, as needed.

Essentially, we do what the official project will not—help you remain secure on older versions of Struts while preserving your existing architecture and code.

Why This Matters for Your Organization

1. Minimal Disruption
   Replacing entire upload workflows or rewriting your code can be prohibitively expensive and time-consuming. Our patch approach spares you from these extensive changes.
2. Extended Lifespan of Legacy Apps
   Enterprises often rely on older mission-critical applications. HeroDevs’ NES ensures you can continue to operate them securely until you’re ready (or mandated) to upgrade.
3. Defense in Depth
   Even if you plan to migrate eventually, applying our patch in the interim protects your system while you refactor. That shortens the window of vulnerability, safeguarding data and operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I really need to patch if I’m not using file uploads?
If your application never uses the FileUploadInterceptor, you might not be exposed. But keep in mind that library-level interceptors can sometimes be turned on by default. If in doubt, a thorough code audit is essential.

2. What if I want to upgrade to Struts 6.4.0 eventually?
That’s fantastic! We fully support best practices. However, until you complete the migration, you remain vulnerable. NES for Struts fixes the hole right away.

3. Is the patch validated by an external auditor?
We test against real-world exploit PoCs and can arrange for third-party code audits at your request. Security is our top priority.

Get the HeroDevs Patch Now

With the HeroDevs Never-Ending Support (NES) solution for Apache Struts, you don’t have to accept risk or endure panic-driven re-architecture. Our security specialists have already done the heavy lifting, creating a patch that closes CVE-2024-53677 in older Struts lines.

• View Our NES Solution »
• Contact Us to learn how quickly we can help you mitigate this critical RCE vulnerability, maintain compliance, and keep your legacy Struts systems running safely.

Don’t let your legacy applications become a hacker’s playground. Patch CVE-2024-53677 with HeroDevs’ official fix for the old file upload mechanism in Struts—and stay safe without the forced migration.

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