Apache Any23: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference
CVE-2022-25312 is a critical-severity improper restriction of XML external entity reference vulnerability in Apache Any23 from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Apache Any23 versions: Apache Any23 2.6 through 2.6. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 2.86% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 87% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update Any23 to 2.7 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on lists.apache.org 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | Apache Any23 | Apache Any23 2.6 through 2.6 | Not stated |
| Apache | Any23 | before 2.7 | 2.7 |
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
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.1 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 6.4 | Medium | NVD |
Official description
An XML external entity (XXE) injection vulnerability was discovered in the Any23 RDFa XSLTStylesheet extractor and is known to affect Any23 versions < 2.7. XML external entity injection (also known as XXE) is a web security vulnerability that allows an attacker to interfere with an application's processing of XML data. It often allows an attacker to view files on the application server filesystem, and to interact with any back-end or external systems that the application itself can access. This issue is fixed in Apache Any23 2.7.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference
The product processes an XML document that can contain XML entities with URIs that resolve to documents outside of the intended sphere of control, causing the product to embed incorrect documents into its output.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Many XML parsers and validators can be configured to disable external entity expansion.
More Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerabilities (CWE-611)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Patches and release notes
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/03/04/2Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
Recent Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 6.5 Medium severity
SAP NetWeaver XML External Entity (XXE) Exploited
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