CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-32200NVD status: Modified

Apache Jena: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Expression Language Statement

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2023-32200 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression language statement vulnerability in Apache Jena from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Apache Jena versions: 3.7.0 through 4.8.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.47% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 74% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of Apache Jena you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
ApacheApache Jena3.7.0 through 4.8.0Not stated
Apachejena3.7.0 through 4.8.0Not 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
LowA basic user account is enough.
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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.18.8HighNVD
CVSS 3.18.8HighCISA (ADP)

Official description

There is insufficient restrictions of called script functions in Apache Jena versions 4.8.0 and earlier. It allows a remote user to execute javascript via a SPARQL query. This issue affects Apache Jena: from 3.7.0 through 4.8.0.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Expression Language Statement

The product constructs all or part of an expression language (EL) statement in a framework such as a Java Server Page (JSP) using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended EL statement before it is executed.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Avoid adding user-controlled data into an expression interpreter when possible.
  • If user-controlled data must be added to an expression interpreter, one or more of the following should be performed: Validate that the user input will not evaluate as an expression Encode the user input in a way that ensures it is not evaluated as an expression
  • The framework or tooling might allow the developer to disable or deactivate the processing of EL expressions, such as setting the isELIgnored attribute for a JSP page to true.

More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Expression Language Statement vulnerabilities (CWE-917)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Other vulnerabilities in Apache Jena

All Apache Jena vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Expression Language Statement vulnerabilities

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