CVEs / CVE-2016-3081
CVE-2016-3081: Apache Struts Command Injection Vulnerability
- Known exploited in the CISA KEV catalog since 8 Oct 2026
- high 8.1 CVSS 3.1 (NVD)
- EPSS 96.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 99% of CVEs (30 Oct 2026)
- Last changed at its sources
Are you affected? Check your servers with Stackurity: it lists the software on each server and the vulnerabilities to fix first.
Check your servers with Stackurity Already using Stackurity? Search for CVE-2016-3081
Summary
Apache Struts contains a command injection vulnerability that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via method:prefix when Dynamic Method Invocation is enabled.
Description
Apache Struts 2.3.19 to 2.3.20.2, 2.3.21 to 2.3.24.1, and 2.3.25 to 2.3.28, when Dynamic Method Invocation is enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via method: prefix, related to chained expressions.
Affected and fixed versions
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| n/a n/a | n/a | — |
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| org.apache.struts:struts2-core (Maven) | from 2.3.19, before 2.3.20.3 | 2.3.20.3 |
| org.apache.struts:struts2-core (Maven) | from 2.3.21, before 2.3.24.3 | 2.3.24.3 |
| org.apache.struts:struts2-core (Maven) | from 2.3.25, before 2.3.28.1 | 2.3.28.1 |
Package versions from GHSA-8c6j-ffmf-q6vm.
Exploitation
| In CISA KEV since | 8 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|
| Due date for US federal agencies | 11 Oct 2026 |
| Used in ransomware campaigns | Unknown |
| Required action | Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines. |
Severity
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 highCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HScored by NVD |
|---|---|
| Weakness | CWE-77 |
References
- CVE-2016-3081 on NVD
- CVE-2016-3081 in the CISA KEV catalog
- https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/WW/S2-032 (cited by CISA)
- https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk (cited by CISA)
- https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-implementation-guidance-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk (cited by CISA)
- CVE-2016-3081 on OSV
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/136856/Apache-Struts-2.3.28-Dynamic-Method-Invocation-Remote-Code-Execution.html Exploit, Third Party Advisory
- http://www.huawei.com/en/psirt/security-advisories/huawei-sa-20160527-01-struts2-en Third Party Advisory
- http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujul2016-2881720.html Patch, Third Party Advisory
- http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuoct2016-2881722.html Third Party Advisory
- http://www.rapid7.com/db/modules/exploit/linux/http/struts_dmi_exec Third Party Advisory, Broken Link
- http://www.rapid7.com/db/modules/exploit/multi/http/struts_dmi_exec Third Party Advisory
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/87327 Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/91787 Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1035665 Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- https://struts.apache.org/docs/s2-032.html Patch, Vendor Advisory
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39756/ Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-3081 US Government Resource
Sources
Exploitation status from the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. EPSS scores from FIRST. Descriptions, severity and references from the National Vulnerability Database. Open-source package versions from OSV (CC-BY 4.0). Text is shown as each source states it; Stackurity does not edit it. Check the vendor's advisory before acting.
This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD.