WSO2 API Manager: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference
CVE-2023-6836 is a high-severity improper restriction of XML external entity reference vulnerability in WSO2 API Manager from WSO2, 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. The record lists version 3.0.0.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating WSO2 API Manager to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.48% 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
- Update WSO2 API Manager to 3.0.0.1 or a later version.
- Update WSO2 API Manager Analytics to 2.2.0.1 or 2.5.0.1, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update WSO2 API Microgateway to 2.2.0.1 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on security.docs.wso2.com 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| WSO2 | WSO2 API Manager | 3.0.0.0 up to, but not including, 3.0.0.1 | 3.0.0.1 |
| WSO2 | WSO2 API Manager Analytics | 2.2.0.0 up to, but not including, 2.2.0.1; 2.5.0.0 up to, but not including, 2.5.0.1 | 2.2.0.1, 2.5.0.1 |
| WSO2 | WSO2 API Microgateway | 2.2.0.0 up to, but not including, 2.2.0.1 | 2.2.0.1 |
| WSO2 | WSO2 Enterprise Integrator | 6.0.0.0 up to, but not including, 6.0.0.3; 6.1.0.0 up to, but not including, 6.1.0.5; 6.1.1.0 up to, but not including, 6.1.1.5; 6.6.0.0 up to, but not including, 6.6.0.1 | 6.0.0.3, 6.1.0.5, 6.1.1.5, 6.6.0.1 |
| WSO2 | WSO2 IS as Key Manager | 5.5.0.0 up to, but not including, 5.5.0.1; 5.6.0.0 up to, but not including, 5.6.0.1; 5.7.0.0 up to, but not including, 5.7.0.1; 5.9.0.0 up to, but not including, 5.9.0.1 | 5.5.0.1, 5.6.0.1, 5.7.0.1, 5.9.0.1 |
| WSO2 | WSO2 Identity Server | 5.4.0.0 up to, but not including, 5.4.0.1; 5.4.1.0 up to, but not including, 5.4.1.1; 5.5.0.0 up to, but not including, 5.5.0.1; 5.6.0.0 up to, but not including, 5.6.0.1 | 5.4.0.1, 5.4.1.1, 5.5.0.1, 5.6.0.1 |
| WSO2 | WSO2 Micro Integrator | 1.0.0.0 up to, but not including, 1.0.0.1 | 1.0.0.1 |
| WSO2 | API Manager | 3.0.0 and earlier | Not stated |
| WSO2 | API Manager Analytics | 2.2.0; 2.5.0 | Not stated |
| WSO2 | API Microgateway | 2.2.0 | Not stated |
| WSO2 | Enterprise Integrator | 6.6.0 and earlier | Not stated |
| WSO2 | Identity Server As Key Manager | 5.0.0; 5.6.0; 5.7.0; 5.9.0 | Not stated |
| WSO2 | Identity Server | 5.4.0; 5.4.1; 5.5.0; 5.6.0 | Not stated |
| WSO2 | Micro Integrator | 1.0.0 | 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
- 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.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 4.6 | Medium | CNA |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
Multiple WSO2 products have been identified as vulnerable due to an XML External Entity (XXE) attack abuses a widely available but rarely used feature of XML parsers to access sensitive information.
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 WSO2 API Manager
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 9.4 Critical severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.4 High severity
Recent Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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