CVE-2018-3774 is a vulnerability that was discovered in 2018. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of Apache Struts, an open-source framework for developing web applications in Java. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system by sending a specially crafted HTTP request. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to take complete control of the targeted system and access sensitive data.
The discovery of CVE-2018-3774 led to a major security incident in March 2018 when attackers exploited this vulnerability to compromise the systems of several organizations. Among the high-profile victims of this attack was the credit reporting agency Equifax, which suffered a massive data breach affecting millions of their customers' personal information. The attackers used the CVE-2018-3774 vulnerability to gain access to Equifax's systems, where they were able to steal sensitive data and exfiltrate it from the compromised network.
This incident highlights the importance of promptly addressing software vulnerabilities. In the case of CVE-2018-3774, Apache Struts had released a patch to fix the vulnerability several months before the Equifax breach occurred. However, Equifax had failed to apply the patch, leaving their systems vulnerable to exploitation. This incident serves as a reminder to organizations of the critical need to prioritize security updates and maintain up-to-date cybersecurity measures to protect against emerging threats.