OpenSymphony XWork vulnerable to improper input validation

MEDIUM 6.8CVE-2007-4556 · GHSA-h7mf-qrm9-2848 · Published 28/08/2007 · updated 16/06/2026

Package	Affected versions	Patched versions
opensymphony:xwork Maven	`≥ 2.0.0, < 2.0.4< 1.2.3`	`2.0.41.2.3`
xwork opensymphony	`≥ 2.0.0, ≤ 2.0.4< 1.2.3`	`1.2.3`

Description

XWork is an command-pattern framework that is used to power WebWork as well as other applications. Struts support in OpenSymphony XWork before 1.2.3, and 2.x before 2.0.4, as used in WebWork and Apache Struts, recursively evaluates all input as an Object-Graph Navigation Language (OGNL) expression when altSyntax is enabled, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) or execute arbitrary code via form input beginning with a "%{" sequence and ending with a "}" character.

Note: Version 2.0.4 marks the change from opensymphony:xwork to com.opensymphony:xwork.

NVD description

Struts support in OpenSymphony XWork before 1.2.3, and 2.x before 2.0.4, as used in WebWork and Apache Struts, recursively evaluates all input as an Object-Graph Navigation Language (OGNL) expression when altSyntax is enabled, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) or execute arbitrary code via form input beginning with a "%{" sequence and ending with a "}" character.

References

nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2007-4556 · ADVISORY
struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/s2-001.html · WEB
forums.opensymphony.com/ann.jspa · Patch
issues.apache.org/struts/browse/WW-2030 · Third Party Advisory
jira.opensymphony.com/browse/XW-544 · Vendor Advisory
jira.opensymphony.com/secure/ReleaseNote.jspa · Vendor Advisory
jira.opensymphony.com/secure/ReleaseNote.jspa · Vendor Advisory
osvdb.org/37072 · Broken Link
secunia.com/advisories/26681 · Third Party Advisory
secunia.com/advisories/26693 · Third Party Advisory
secunia.com/advisories/26694 · Third Party Advisory
wiki.opensymphony.com/display/WW/1.2.3+Press+Release · Vendor Advisory
securityfocus.com/bid/25524 · Third Party Advisory
vupen.com/english/advisories/2007/3041 · Third Party Advisory
vupen.com/english/advisories/2007/3042 · Third Party Advisory

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