CVE-2016-3081: Apache Struts Command Injection Vulnerability

What it is

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.

What to do

Treat this as urgent. Identify every affected system, starting with anything internet-facing, and apply the vendor fix or mitigation within days. If you cannot patch quickly, isolate or disable the affected service and watch for signs of compromise.

Priority

Act now: Patch or mitigate internet-facing systems within days.

Severity (CVSS)

8.1 high

CISA assessment (SSVC)

actively exploited; needs manual effort per target; total control of the affected system

Exploit probability (EPSS, 30 days)

96%, in the top 1% of all CVEs

Added to CISA KEV

8 October 2026

CISA fix-by date

11 October 2026 (US federal agencies; a sensible deadline for everyone)

Ransomware use

Not known

Weakness

CWE-77

References

• NIST NVD entry
• CISA KEV entry
• www.huawei.com/en/psirt/security-advisories/huawei-sa-20160527-01-struts2-en
• www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujul2016-2881720.html
• www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuoct2016-2881722.html

Sources: CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities · FIRST Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) · NIST National Vulnerability Database · CISA Vulnrichment (SSVC), via the CVE Program. This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Summaries are machine-written from CISA’s description; treat the vendor’s advisory as the authority for fixes.