Apache Jena: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference
CVE-2022-28890 is a critical-severity improper restriction of XML external entity reference vulnerability in Apache Jena from Apache, 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 Apache Jena versions: Apache Jena through 4.4.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 2.67% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 86% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of Apache Jena you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- 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 Jena | Apache Jena through 4.4.0 | Not stated |
| Apache | Jena | 4.4.0 | 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 | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
A vulnerability in the RDF/XML parser of Apache Jena allows an attacker to cause an external DTD to be retrieved. This issue affects Apache Jena version 4.4.0 and prior versions. Apache Jena 4.2.x and 4.3.x do not allow external entities.
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
Other vulnerabilities in Apache Jena
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerabilities
- 7.4 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
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