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CVE-2024-36522NVD status: Analyzed

Apache Wicket: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component

CVE-2024-36522 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component vulnerability in Apache Wicket 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 Wicket versions: 10.0.0-M1 through 10.0.0; 9.0.0 through 9.17.0; 8.0.0 through 8.15.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 2.13% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 82% of scored CVEs.

Patch this week

Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.

What to do

  1. Check which version of Apache Wicket you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on lists.apache.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
ApacheApache Wicket10.0.0-M1 through 10.0.0; 9.0.0 through 9.17.0; 8.0.0 through 8.15.0Not stated
Apachewicket10.0.0-m1 through 10.0.0; 8.0.0 through 8.15.0; 9.0.0 through 9.17.0Not 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
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 CISA (ADP).

Official description

The default configuration of XSLTResourceStream.java is vulnerable to remote code execution via XSLT injection when processing input from an untrusted source without validation. Users are recommended to upgrade to versions 10.1.0, 9.18.0 or 8.16.0, which fix this issue.

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

The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component

The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Programming languages and supporting technologies might be chosen which are not subject to these issues.
  • Utilize an appropriate mix of allowlist and denylist parsing to filter control-plane syntax from all input.

More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities (CWE-74)

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 Wicket

All Apache Wicket vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities

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