CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2025-3225NVD status: Analyzed

run-llama/llama_index: Improper Restriction of Recursive Entity References in DTDs

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2025-3225 is a high-severity improper restriction of recursive entity references in dtds vulnerability in run-llama/llama_index from Run-llama, with a CVSS 3.0 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 v0.12.29 as the first without the flaw, so updating run-llama/llama_index 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.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update run-llama/llama_index to v0.12.29 or a later version.
  2. Update Llamaindex to 0.12.29 or a later version.
  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
Run-llamarun-llama/llama_indexbefore v0.12.29v0.12.29
LlamaindexLlamaindex0.12.21 up to, but not including, 0.12.290.12.29

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
NoneNo data is disclosed.
Integrity
NoneNothing can be modified.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by CNA (huntr.dev).

Official description

An XML Entity Expansion vulnerability, also known as a 'billion laughs' attack, exists in the sitemap parser of the run-llama/llama_index repository, specifically affecting version v0.12.21. This vulnerability allows an attacker to supply a malicious Sitemap XML, leading to a Denial of Service (DoS) by exhausting system memory and potentially causing a system crash. The issue is resolved in version v0.12.29.

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

The underlying weakness: Improper Restriction of Recursive Entity References in DTDs

The product uses XML documents and allows their structure to be defined with a Document Type Definition (DTD), but it does not properly control the number of recursive definitions of entities.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • If possible, prohibit the use of DTDs or use an XML parser that limits the expansion of recursive DTD entities.
  • Before parsing XML files with associated DTDs, scan for recursive entity declarations and do not continue parsing potentially explosive content.

More Improper Restriction of Recursive Entity References in DTDs vulnerabilities (CWE-776)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)

Other vulnerabilities in run-llama/llama_index

All run-llama/llama_index vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Restriction of Recursive Entity References in DTDs vulnerabilities

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