excel-streaming-reader: Improper Restriction of Recursive Entity References in DTDs
CVE-2022-23640 is a critical-severity improper restriction of recursive entity references in dtds vulnerability in excel-streaming-reader from Monitorjbl, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected excel-streaming-reader versions: < 2.1.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.27% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 70% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of excel-streaming-reader you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monitorjbl | excel-streaming-reader | < 2.1.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
Excel-Streaming-Reader is an easy-to-use implementation of a streaming Excel reader using Apache POI. Prior to xlsx-streamer 2.1.0, the XML parser that was used did apply all the necessary settings to prevent XML Entity Expansion issues. Upgrade to version 2.1.0 to receive a patch. There is no known workaround.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Restriction of Recursive Entity References in DTDs
The product uses XML documents and allows their structure to be defined with a Document Type Definition (DTD), but it does not properly control the number of recursive definitions of entities.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If possible, prohibit the use of DTDs or use an XML parser that limits the expansion of recursive DTD entities.
- Before parsing XML files with associated DTDs, scan for recursive entity declarations and do not continue parsing potentially explosive content.
More Improper Restriction of Recursive Entity References in DTDs vulnerabilities (CWE-776)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Patches and release notes
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