---
title: "CVE-2016-3081: Apache Struts Command Injection Vulnerability"
url: https://erroneo.us/security/cve/CVE-2016-3081/
description: "CVE-2016-3081 (Apache Struts): Exploited in the wild (CISA KEV). 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…"
type: vulnerability-record
section: "Security Digest"
date_published: 2016-04-26
date_modified: 2026-10-21
publisher: erroneo.us
author: erroneo.us Security Desk
cve: "CVE-2016-3081"
kev: true
cvss: 8.1
epss: 0.96052
license: All rights reserved. Quote with attribution and a link.
---

# CVE-2016-3081: Apache Struts Command Injection Vulnerability

**Signal:** Exploited: patch now if you run it. CISA has confirmed exploitation in the wild. (Computed from CISA KEV, EPSS and CVSS; not an editorial verdict.)

## Should you act?

- Yes, if you run Apache Struts. CISA added this CVE to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-10-08, which means there is reliable evidence of exploitation in the wild. US federal agencies must remediate by 2026-10-11 ; treat that as the outer limit, not the target.
- EPSS 96.1% , percentile 99.9: FIRST’s model estimates a 96.1% chance of exploitation activity in the next 30 days, higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs (very high). EPSS is a probability, not a verdict.
- Remotely reachable with no login and no user interaction. If the vulnerable service is exposed to the internet, prioritize it.
- Editorial verdict: Check exposure. Apache Struts S2-032 (CVE-2016-3081): 2016 RCE Now in KEV — Only Struts 2.3.20 to 2.3.28 apps with Dynamic Method Invocation turned on are exposed, but any Struts 2.3.x you find is end-of-life, open to worse KEV-listed bugs, and should be fixed or pulled now.

## What it is

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 products (CVE record)

- n/a n/a: see advisory

## Severity

- CISA-ADP CVSS 3.1: 8.1 `CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H`

## Exploitation

- CISA KEV: added 2026-10-08; federal due date 2026-10-11. Known ransomware use: Unknown.
- CISA 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.
- CISA SSVC assessment: exploitation active , automatable no , technical impact total .
- FIRST EPSS (model of 2026-10-21): 96.05% probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days; percentile 99.9.

## Sources

- [Listed in CISA KEV notes (cwiki.apache.org)](https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/WW/S2-032)
- [CVE.org record CVE-2016-3081](https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2016-3081)
- [NVD entry CVE-2016-3081](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-3081)
- [CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog entry](https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-3081)
- [Listed in CISA KEV notes (cisa.gov)](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk)
- [Listed in CISA KEV notes (cisa.gov)](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-implementation-guidance-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk)
- [1035665](http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1035665)
- [struts.apache.org](https://struts.apache.org/docs/s2-032.html)
- [huawei.com](http://www.huawei.com/en/psirt/security-advisories/huawei-sa-20160527-01-struts2-en)
- [oracle.com](http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujul2016-2881720.html)
- [oracle.com](http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuoct2016-2881722.html)
- [rapid7.com](http://www.rapid7.com/db/modules/exploit/linux/http/struts_dmi_exec)
- [39756](https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39756/)
- [91787](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/91787)
- [packetstormsecurity.com](http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/136856/Apache-Struts-2.3.28-Dynamic-Method-Invocation-Remote-Code-Execution.html)
- [87327](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/87327)
- [rapid7.com](http://www.rapid7.com/db/modules/exploit/multi/http/struts_dmi_exec)

---
Source page: https://erroneo.us/security/cve/CVE-2016-3081/ · Security Digest: https://erroneo.us/security/ · More: https://erroneo.us/llms.txt