# CVE-2013-2251: Code injection in Apache Struts

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2013-2251-apache-struts-improper-input-validation-vulnerability  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2022-05-13. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2013-2251 · Severity: critical · CVSS 3.1 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2022-05-13

Apache Struts 2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Object-Graph Navigation Language (OGNL) expressions via crafted parameters using action:, redirect:, or redirectAction: prefixes. This improper input validation vulnerability can lead to remote code execution.

Technologies: [Apache Struts](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/struts), [org.apache.struts:struts2-core (Maven)](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/org-apache-struts-struts2-core). Vendors: [Apache](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/apache), [Maven](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/maven).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2013-2251 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2013-2251 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 25 March 2022. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2013-2251?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 3.1, published 13 May 2022.

**Which products and versions are affected?** org.apache.struts:struts2-core (Maven) ECOSYSTEM:introduced=0,fixed=2.3.15.1.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2013-2251?** Yes. org.apache.struts:struts2-core (Maven): upgrade to 2.3.15.1 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2013-2251 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2013-2251?** Check whether you run Apache Struts or org.apache.struts:struts2-core (Maven) at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- org.apache.struts:struts2-core (Maven): upgrade to 2.3.15.1 or later

  ```sh
  # set org.apache.struts:struts2-core to 2.3.15.1 in your pom.xml or build.gradle
  ```


## Affected products

- Apache Struts 2 2.0.0 through 2.3.15

## Identifiers

- CVE-2013-2251
- GHSA-47qp-8v9g-39hp

## Timeline

- 2013-07-16: advisory: Original Apache Struts S2-016 advisory date
- 2022-03-25: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog
- 2022-03-25: disclosed: NVD publication date

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- [Apache Struts REST plugin unbounded request body denial of service](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-104713-allocation-of-resources-without-limits-or-throttling)
- [Apache Struts asymmetric resource consumption in BigDecimal rendering](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-104712-asymmetric-resource-consumption-amplification-vulnerability-in)
- [Apache Struts expression language injection in legacy RESTful action mapper](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-104711-improper-neutralization-of-special-elements-used-in-an)
- [Apache Struts XXE injection in XWork component](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2025-68493-apache-struts-xxe-injection-in-xwork-component)