Apache Struts setup in Debug-Mode

What is the "Apache Struts setup in Debug-Mode?" module?

The "Apache Struts setup in Debug-Mode" module is designed to detect misconfigurations in Apache Struts, a popular open-source framework for developing Java web applications. This module focuses on identifying instances where the debug mode is enabled, which can potentially expose sensitive information and pose a security risk. The severity of this module is classified as low, indicating a relatively lower impact compared to other vulnerabilities.

This module was authored by pdteam.

Impact

Enabling debug mode in Apache Struts can lead to the exposure of sensitive information, such as internal server details, stack traces, and potentially even credentials. Attackers can exploit this information to gain unauthorized access, perform further attacks, or gather intelligence for future exploits.

How does the module work?

The "Apache Struts setup in Debug-Mode" module works by analyzing the configuration of Apache Struts instances to identify if the debug mode is enabled. It uses specific matching conditions to detect the presence of certain keywords, such as "<debug>" and "<struts.actionMapping>".

When the module identifies a match, it triggers a report of the vulnerability, allowing users to take appropriate actions to mitigate the risk. The module does not directly perform any HTTP requests or interact with the target system.

Here is an example of a matching condition:

{
  "part": "all",
  "type": "word",
  "words": [
    "<debug>",
    "<struts.actionMapping>"
  ],
  "negative": false,
  "condition": "and"
}

This condition specifies that both "<debug>" and "<struts.actionMapping>" must be present for a match to occur. The module evaluates all matching conditions to determine if the debug mode is enabled in the Apache Struts setup.