Patching CVE-2024-53677 in Apache Struts: Because ‘Rewrite Everything’ Shouldn’t Be Your Only Option

If your organization’s still tangoing with Apache Struts v2.x, you might have heard of CVE-2024-53677, an RCE vulnerability that could make malicious actors feel like they just won a VIP pass to your server.

What’s Going On?

• Affected versions: Struts 2.0.0–2.3.37, 2.5.0–2.5.33, and 6.0.0–6.3.0.2
• Severity: High enough to set off fireworks (CVSS 9.5)
• Impact: Attackers can hijack your file upload system and deposit nasty payloads wherever they please.

The official Apache Struts response? “Upgrade to 6.4.0 or newer, rewrite your file upload code, and Bob’s your uncle.” Which sounds simple, until you remember your entire app stack is older than your intern.

A “Simple” Upgrade?

Let’s be honest: performing a major version upgrade on a legacy Struts-based system can be more complicated than politely declining your coworker’s homemade kombucha. Rewrites, regression testing, re-training your team—the works.

Introducing a More Practical Plan: HeroDevs Never-Ending Support for Apache Struts

HeroDevs offers what some Apache folks have already labeled impossible: a real patch for older versions of Struts. Instead of forcing an entire migration to the new “Action File Upload Interceptor,” HeroDevs developed a fix for that old FileUploadInterceptor code. This is part of our Never-Ending Support (NES) program, which exists for organizations that need to keep old systems alive but still want robust security.

Key Perks:

• Immediate Security – No waiting around while your dev team scrambles to rewrite.
• No Forced Overhaul – Keep your existing codebase intact for now.
• Extended Safety Net – If new vulnerabilities pop up, you won’t be left in the lurch.

Why This Is a Game-Changer

1. Saves You Time: Patch your system today, plan big upgrades tomorrow.
2. Reduces Downtime: Swapping out entire interceptors and rewriting code can hobble your project for weeks.
3. Defends Mission-Critical Apps: Let’s face it—some old apps handle your biggest workloads, and you can’t just turn them off.

The Bottom Line

HeroDevs has effectively said, “Hold my coffee,” and done the legwork to patch CVE-2024-53677 in older Struts versions. If you can’t or won’t jump to 6.4.0 right now, this might be your best bet to maintain security while avoiding a meltdown—especially if you have better things to do than refactor 10-year-old code.

Interested in this safety net? Look into HeroDevs’ Never-Ending Support for Struts. Because sometimes, the best solution is not to tear everything down and start from scratch. In a world full of recommended rewrites, be the smart rebel who secures your app without all the drama.

Final Note

This vulnerability is serious; jokes aside, remote code execution is a major threat. If you’re not using Struts’ file-upload features, you might dodge the bullet. But if you are—and especially if your version is end-of-life—HeroDevs can help you steer clear of a security breach meltdown.

All the best to you and your well-patched, vulnerability-free future—may we all Strut in peace!