Breaking Down CVE-2024-53677

As veterans, we’re no strangers to complex missions, and in the cybersecurity battlefield, few threats are as urgent as CVE-2024-53677. This newly disclosed Apache Struts vulnerability is not just a technical hiccup; it’s a five-alarm fire for anyone tasked with safeguarding enterprise environments. With a CVSS score of 9.5 out of 10, it’s critical that those of us in cybersecurity—especially veterans—step up to defend the networks and systems we’re sworn to protect.

Here’s what you need to know about CVE-2024-53677, why it matters, and how you can leverage your military mindset to tackle this challenge head-on.

CVE-2024-53677: What’s the Deal?

Let’s break it down like a mission briefing. CVE-2024-53677 is a path traversal vulnerability in Apache Struts that allows attackers to upload malicious files. Once uploaded, these files can execute commands, steal data, or bring down systems. In other words, it’s a full-blown enemy infiltration scenario.

The flaw impacts the following Apache Struts versions:

• Struts 2.0.0 - Struts 2.3.37 (End-of-Life)
• Struts 2.5.0 - Struts 2.5.33
• Struts 6.0.0 - Struts 6.3.0.2

If these versions are in your stack, consider them compromised unless patched. The vulnerability has been fixed in Struts 6.4.0 or greater, but the clock is ticking—threat actors are already exploiting it in the wild.

Why Veterans in Cybersecurity Should Care

Whether you’re working in the private sector or for a government agency, Apache Struts is likely part of your IT stack—or your client’s. As Saeed Abbasi of Qualys notes, Struts powers “public-facing portals, internal productivity applications, and critical business workflows.” It’s mission-critical infrastructure, and as veterans, we know the consequences of failing to secure it.

But why should veterans be particularly attuned to this threat?

1. Adaptability Under Fire Military training has taught us to adapt quickly and prioritize under pressure. This vulnerability demands both—rapid patching and a clear mitigation plan.
2. Attention to Detail From securing sensitive comms to maintaining operational readiness, veterans excel at understanding the finer details of a threat landscape. CVE-2024-53677 is a prime example of why thoroughness matters.
3. Mission-First Mentality Cybersecurity isn’t just a job; it’s a mission. Whether it’s safeguarding corporate data or protecting national security interests, we know what’s at stake.

Threat Landscape: How Are Attackers Exploiting This?

According to early reports, attackers are already scanning for vulnerable systems. They’re looking for unpatched Apache Struts instances, uploading malicious scripts, and executing commands. Here’s what makes this threat particularly dangerous:

• Rapid Weaponization: A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit is already in circulation.
• Active Scanning: Threat actors have been detected scanning for vulnerable systems from IPs such as 169.150.226[.]162.
• Business-Critical Targets: Struts is used in applications that are foundational to operations, making the fallout of an attack potentially catastrophic.

What’s the Plan?

Here’s your actionable game plan to neutralize CVE-2024-53677.

1. Upgrade to Struts 6.4.0+ Immediately

First and foremost, patch now. Vulnerabilities like this don’t wait for you to schedule downtime. Delays only make exploitation more likely.

2. Rewrite Code for the Action File Upload Mechanism

Apache recommends migrating to their new Action File Upload mechanism and related interceptor. This is a crucial step to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

3. Harden Your Perimeter

Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) and monitor traffic for suspicious behavior, particularly uploads that seem out of place.

4. Monitor Known Threat Sources

Keep an eye on IPs associated with exploitation attempts, such as the aforementioned 169.150.226[.]162.

5. Conduct a Full Audit

Identify all Apache Struts instances in your organization. Don’t just focus on production systems—test environments and older, forgotten systems could also be vulnerable.

Lessons from the Military: Applying Veteran Skills to CVE-2024-53677

Veterans bring a unique skill set to cybersecurity, and this is where we shine. Here’s how your training can guide your response:

• Situational Awareness: Treat this vulnerability like enemy intel. Understand the scope, identify weak points, and prioritize your defenses.
• Chain of Command: Ensure clear communication channels within your team. Everyone should know their role in the patching and mitigation process.
• After-Action Reviews: Once you’ve patched and mitigated, conduct a thorough review to identify gaps in your response. This will prepare you for the next threat.

Cybersecurity Is a Team Sport

Just like in the military, no one fights alone. Leverage your networks—reach out to the VetSec community, coordinate with your peers, and share intel. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient defense.

The Big Picture

CVE-2024-53677 isn’t just another vulnerability; it’s a wake-up call. For veterans in cybersecurity, it’s an opportunity to lead from the front, applying the skills and mindset we honed in uniform to defend against today’s cyber threats.

Stay sharp, patch often, and remember: every vulnerability is just another mission. And missions are what we do best.

Christopher D.

Director, VetSec

Former Sandbag Carrier Extraordinaire