CVE-2022-42889
Text4Shell: stopped at runtime
Waratek RASP already blocks this exploit at runtime, inside the JVM - with no application change, no vendor patch, and no downtime.
Published October 13, 2022 · Updated April 28, 2026
The vulnerability
Remote code execution via string interpolation lookups
Apache Commons Text enables variable interpolation of the form ${prefix:name}. In affected versions the default lookups include "script", "dns" and "url", so untrusted input passed to the interpolator can execute arbitrary code through the JVM script engine or reach attacker-controlled servers.
Running an affected version? We can help.
Waratek RASP shields the vulnerable code in production - the exploit is blocked at runtime with no library upgrade, no redeploy, and no downtime. We can have you covered fast.
How Waratek RASP stops it
Blocked at runtime by Waratek RASP
Waratek RASP ships a patch rule that blocks exploitation at the exact point the dangerous operation is attempted, inside the JVM.
Runtime, not perimeter
Waratek RASP acts inside the JVM at the exact call that turns input into code, so obfuscated and encoded payloads are caught where a WAF misses them.
No code changes
Protection is applied as a rule at runtime. No source edits, no recompilation, no library upgrade, and no application restart required.
Zero false positives
Rules target the specific unsafe behaviour of the exploit, so legitimate traffic keeps flowing while the attack is blocked and logged.
| Mod | Rules | Enable |
|---|---|---|
| Text4Shell protectionCVE-2022-42889 · Code injection (expression interpolation) | 1 | |
| SQL Injection protectionQuery manipulation | 4 | |
| Path Traversal protectionUnsafe file access | 3 |
Flip one toggle in the Waratek Portal. The protection deploys to every attached application, with no restart.
Common questions
Text4Shell FAQ
Is Text4Shell (CVE-2022-42889) exploitable?
CVE-2022-42889 carries a CVSS 9.8/10 (CRITICAL) rating and affects Apache Commons Text 1.5 through 1.9. Apache Commons Text enables variable interpolation of the form ${prefix:name}. In affected versions the default lookups include "script", "dns" and "url", so untrusted input passed to the interpolator can execute arbitrary code through the JVM script engine or reach attacker-controlled servers.
How does Waratek mitigate Text4Shell (CVE-2022-42889)?
Waratek RASP blocks exploitation of Text4Shell (CVE-2022-42889) inside the JVM at runtime, with no application code changes, no vendor patch and no restart.
How quickly was Text4Shell (CVE-2022-42889) exploited after disclosure?
A working exploit for CVE-2022-42889 appeared within 5 days of its NVD disclosure, on October 17, 2022.
Protect your apps in production
Get protected against Text4Shell - without code changes or redeploying
Book a call and we’ll show you how Waratek RASP shields your running applications against CVE-2022-42889 and attacks like it, and get you covered in production.