CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2025-53689NVD status: Modified

Apache Jackrabbit: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2025-53689 is a high-severity improper restriction of XML external entity reference vulnerability in Apache Jackrabbit from Apache, 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. The record lists versions 2.20.17, 2.22.1, 2.23.2-beta as the first without the flaw, so updating Apache Jackrabbit to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.54% 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 Apache Jackrabbit to 2.20.17 or 2.22.1 or 2.23.2-beta, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Update Jackrabbit to 2.20.17 or a later version.
  3. Read the advisory on lists.apache.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
ApacheApache Jackrabbit2.20.0 up to, but not including, 2.20.17; 2.22.0 up to, but not including, 2.22.1; 2.23.0-beta up to, but not including, 2.23.2-beta2.20.17, 2.22.1, 2.23.2-beta
ApacheJackrabbit2.20.0 up to, but not including, 2.20.17; 2.22.0; 2.23.0; 2.23.12.20.17

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 CISA (ADP).

Official description

Blind XXE Vulnerabilities in jackrabbit-spi-commons and jackrabbit-core in Apache Jackrabbit < 2.23.2 due to usage of an unsecured document build to load privileges. Users are recommended to upgrade to versions 2.20.17 (Java 8), 2.22.1 (Java 11) or 2.23.2 (Java 11, beta versions), which fix this issue. Earlier versions (up to 2.20.16) are not supported anymore, thus users should update to the respective supported version.

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

  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

Other vulnerabilities in Apache Jackrabbit

All Apache Jackrabbit vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerabilities

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