CandidATS: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference
CVE-2022-42745 is a high-severity improper restriction of XML external entity reference vulnerability in CandidATS, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected CandidATS versions: 3.0.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.02% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 64% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of CandidATS you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
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
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by NVD.
Official description
CandidATS version 3.0.0 allows an external attacker to read arbitrary files from the server. This is possible because the application is vulnerable to XXE.
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
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- fluidattacks.com/advisories/jcole/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
Other references
- candidats.net/Product
Other vulnerabilities in CandidATS
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
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