Eclipse Memory Analyzer (tools.mat): Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference
CVE-2023-6194 is a high-severity improper restriction of XML external entity reference vulnerability in Eclipse Memory Analyzer (tools.mat) from Eclipse Foundation, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Eclipse Memory Analyzer (tools.mat) versions: 0.7 through 1.14.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.32% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Eclipse Memory Analyzer (tools.mat) you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on bugs.eclipse.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eclipse Foundation | Eclipse Memory Analyzer (tools.mat) | 0.7 through 1.14.0 | Not stated |
| Eclipse | Memory Analyzer | 0.7 through 1.14.0 | 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
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- 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
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 2.8 | Low | CNA (eclipse.org) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.1 | High | NVD |
Official description
In Eclipse Memory Analyzer versions 0.7 to 1.14.0, report definition XML files are not filtered to prohibit document type definition (DTD) references to external entities. This means that if a user chooses to use a malicious report definition XML file containing an external entity reference to generate a report then Eclipse Memory Analyzer may access external files or URLs defined via a DTD in the report definition.
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
- bugs.eclipse.org/bugs/show_bug.cgi?id=582631Exploit, Issue Tracking
- gitlab.eclipse.org/security/cve-assignement/-/issues/15Exploit, Issue Tracking
- gitlab.eclipse.org/security/vulnerability-reports/-/issues/169Exploit, Issue Tracking
Recent Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.