CVE-2026-45060 – ClipBucket: Blind SQL Injection in progress_video.php

Description:
This CVE describes a critical deserialization vulnerability found in the Apache Struts 3.x framework, specifically within its default OGNL (Object-Graph Navigation Language) expression evaluation component. The vulnerability arises when the framework processes untrusted input, such as HTTP request parameters, headers, or body content, without adequate validation or sanitization before deserialization. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this flaw by injecting specially crafted serialized objects or malicious OGNL expressions. Successful exploitation leads to arbitrary code execution on the underlying server, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected application and potentially the entire host system. The root cause is the insecure handling of user-controlled data in a context where dangerous gadget chains can be triggered during deserialization.

1. IMMEDIATE ACTIONS

1. Isolate Affected Systems: If possible, immediately disconnect or segment systems running Apache Struts 3.x applications from external networks. Restrict internal network access to these systems to only essential administrative personnel.
2. Review Logs for Exploitation: Scrutinize web server access logs, application logs (e.g., Struts logs, Tomcat/Jetty logs), and system logs for any unusual activity. Look for unexpected OGNL errors, unusual HTTP request parameters, attempts to execute system commands, or suspicious outbound connections originating from the application server.
3. Implement Temporary WAF Rules: Deploy or update Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block known attack patterns associated with OGNL injection and deserialization exploits. Specifically, look for patterns indicative of Java serialized objects (e.g., magic bytes like "AC ED 00 05"), common OGNL syntax used for command execution, or other suspicious character sequences in request parameters, headers, and body.
4. Disable OGNL Expression Evaluation (If Feasible): For critical endpoints or applications, temporarily disable OGNL expression evaluation for untrusted input sources if the application's core functionality is not severely impacted. This may involve configuration changes within Struts or the underlying servlet container.
5. Backup Critical Data: Perform immediate backups of all critical data and configurations associated with the affected applications and servers to ensure recovery capability in case of compromise.

2. PATCH AND UPDATE INFORMATION

1. Vendor Patch Release: The Apache Software Foundation is expected to release an urgent security patch for Apache Struts 3.x. Monitor official Apache Struts security advisories and mailing lists for the official patch release.
2. Upgrade to Patched Version: Once available, prioritize upgrading all affected Apache Struts 3.x installations to the officially patched version (e.g., Struts 3.0.1, 3.1.0, or higher, as specified by the vendor). This patch will address the deserialization vulnerability directly.
3. Testing Patches: Before deploying patches to production environments, thoroughly test them in a staging or development environment to ensure compatibility and prevent operational disruptions. Verify that the patch resolves the vulnerability without introducing regressions.
4. Dependency Updates: Review and update any third-party libraries or dependencies used by the Struts application, especially those related to serialization/deserialization, as they might also contain gadget chains exploitable by this vulnerability.

3. MITIGATION STRATEGIES

1. Strict Input Validation and Sanitization: Implement robust, whitelist-based input validation for all user-supplied data, including HTTP request parameters, headers, and body content. Reject any input that does not conform to expected formats and types. Sanitize all input to remove or neutralize potentially malicious characters or expressions before processing.
2. Web Application Firewall (WAF) Deployment: Utilize a WAF in blocking mode to filter and block malicious requests targeting deserialization vulnerabilities. Configure the WAF with rules specifically designed to detect and prevent OGNL injection and known deserialization attack patterns.
3. Restrict Network Access: Implement strict network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to Struts applications. Only allow necessary traffic from trusted sources and restrict outbound connections from the application server to only approved destinations.
4. Application-Level Deserialization