CVE-2013-4517: Improper Input Validation in Apache Santuario XML Security

org.apache.santuario:xmlsec Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

13/05/2022
Yes i
Moderate
Not published

CVE-2013-4517: Improper Input Validation in Apache Santuario XML Security. Affects org.apache.santuario:xmlsec versions < 1.5.6. Fixed in 1.5.6. How to fix ↓

Also tracked for

The same CVE-2013-4517 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.

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Background

Apache Santuario XML Security for Java is a library that provides XML digital signature and encryption functionality. It is commonly used in Java applications to secure XML data. This vulnerability affects versions of Apache Santuario XML Security for Java prior to 1.5.6. The library is vulnerable to a denial of service (DoS) attack caused by improper input validation when applying Transforms. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious Document Type Definitions (DTDs) related to signatures. This can lead to excessive memory consumption and potentially result in a DoS condition.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in Apache Santuario XML Security for Java allows remote attackers to cause a DoS condition by exploiting improper input validation. By crafting malicious DTDs, an attacker can trigger excessive memory consumption when applying Transforms. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely, potentially leading to service disruption and denial of service. It is important to note that this vulnerability has a moderate severity rating.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.5.6

This is the first release that contains the fix.

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Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is necessary to upgrade to the patched version of Apache Santuario XML Security for Java to mitigate the risk.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in Apache Santuario XML Security for Java can be exploited remotely to cause a denial of service condition. To mitigate the risk, it is crucial to upgrade to the patched version of the library (1.5.6 or later). Developers should promptly update their application's dependencies and validate input data to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

Apache Santuario XML Security for Java is a library that provides XML digital signature and encryption functionality for Java applications.

This vulnerability can be exploited remotely to cause a denial of service condition by consuming excessive memory. It may result in service disruption and unavailability.

To fix this vulnerability, upgrade to Apache Santuario XML Security for Java version 1.5.6 or later. Update your application's dependencies to use the patched version of the library.

No, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. Upgrading to the patched version is the recommended solution.

This vulnerability has a moderate severity rating.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for org.apache.santuario:xmlsec.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.5.6

This is the first release that contains the fix.

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

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