lxml: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference
CVE-2026-41066 is a high-severity improper restriction of XML external entity reference vulnerability in lxml, 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. Affected lxml versions: < 6.1.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.32% 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 lxml you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.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
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 CNA (github.com).
Official description
lxml is a library for processing XML and HTML in the Python language. Prior to 6.1.0, using either of the two parsers in the default configuration (with resolve_entities=True) allows untrusted XML input to read local files. Setting the resolve_entities option explicitly to resolve_entities='internal' or resolve_entities=False disables the local file access. This vulnerability is fixed in 6.1.0.
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.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- bugs.launchpad.net/lxml/+bug/2146291Exploit, Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in lxml
- 8.2 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerabilities
- 7.6 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.6 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
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