CVE-2016-4434: Apache Tika XML External Entity (XXE) Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2016-4434: Apache Tika does not properly initialize the XML parser or choose handlers. Affects org.apache.tika:tika-core versions < 1.13. Fixed in 1.13. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- tika · Debian:11
The same CVE-2016-4434 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 Tika is an open-source content analysis toolkit used for extracting metadata and text from various file formats. It provides support for a wide range of file types, including spreadsheets in OOXML files and XMP metadata in PDF and other formats. The vulnerability in Apache Tika versions prior to 1.13 arises from improper initialization of the XML parser and handler selection. This flaw enables remote attackers to exploit XML External Entity (XXE) attacks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in Apache Tika allows remote attackers to conduct XML External Entity (XXE) attacks. By leveraging this flaw, attackers can manipulate XML input to disclose internal files, perform server-side request forgery (SSRF), or launch denial-of-service attacks. The vulnerability affects spreadsheets in OOXML files and XMP metadata in PDF and other file formats. It is similar to CVE-2016-2175.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 4.1.0 as of 22 Oct 2026
Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
1.13
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
If upgrading Apache Tika is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround is to disable the processing of OOXML files and XMP metadata in PDF and other formats. This can be achieved by configuring the application to reject or ignore these file types until the upgrade can be performed. However, this workaround may limit the functionality of Apache Tika and should only be considered as a temporary solution.
Conclusion
The Apache Tika XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability (CVE-2016-4434) exposes the application to potential XML-based attacks. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to upgrade Apache Tika to version 1.13 or later. This upgrade ensures proper initialization of the XML parser and handler selection, safeguarding against XXE attacks. If immediate upgrading is not possible, consider implementing the provided workaround. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.apache.tika:tika-core →
FAQ
Apache Tika is an open-source content analysis toolkit used for extracting metadata and text from various file formats.
An XML External Entity (XXE) attack is a type of security vulnerability that allows an attacker to exploit weakly configured XML parsers and gain unauthorized access to internal files, perform server-side request forgery (SSRF), or launch denial-of-service attacks.
This vulnerability affects spreadsheets in OOXML files and XMP metadata in PDF and other file formats.
Yes, upgrading Apache Tika to version 1.13 or later fixes this vulnerability by properly initializing the XML parser and handler selection.
A temporary workaround is to disable the processing of OOXML files and XMP metadata in PDF and other formats until the upgrade can be performed. However, this may limit the functionality of Apache Tika and should only be considered as a temporary solution.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for org.apache.tika:tika-core.
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