Community Edition: XML Injection
CVE-2025-12921 is a high-severity XML injection vulnerability in Community Edition from OpenClinica, 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 Community Edition versions: 3.0; 3.1; 3.2, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.57% 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 Community Edition you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenClinica | Community Edition | 3.0; 3.1; 3.2; 3.3; 3.4; 3.5; 3.6; 3.7; and 9 more ranges | Not stated |
| Openclinica | Openclinica | 3.12.2; 3.13 | 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
- 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 system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 2.1 | Low | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 4.3 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 4.0 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
Official description
A vulnerability has been found in OpenClinica Community Edition up to 3.12.2/3.13. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file /ImportCRFData?action=confirm of the component CRF Data Import. Such manipulation of the argument xml_file leads to xml injection. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: XML Injection
The product does not properly neutralize special elements that are used in XML, allowing attackers to modify the syntax, content, or commands of the XML before it is processed by an end system.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- vuldb.com/?id.331641Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- vuldb.com/?submit.680872Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- github.com/mikecole-mg/security_findings/blob/main/openclinica/openclinica-xxe.mdExploit, Third Party Advisory
- github.com/mikecole-mg/security_findings/blob/main/openclinica/openclinica-xxe.md#pocExploit, Third Party Advisory
Other references
- vuldb.com/?ctiid.331641Permissions Required, VDB Entry
Other vulnerabilities in Community Edition
- 8.8 High severity
Recent XML Injection vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
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