CVE-2017-15691: Apache uimaj - Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference
Summary
CVE-2017-15691: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference in Apache uimaj. Affects org.apache.uima:uimafit-core versions < 2.4.0. Fixed in 2.4.0. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- uimaj · Debian:11
The same CVE-2017-15691 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
Apache uimaj is an open-source framework for building natural language processing (NLP) applications. It provides a set of Java libraries and tools for creating, annotating, and analyzing text data. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 2.10.2 of Apache uimaj, versions prior to 3.0.0-beta of Apache uimaFIT, and versions prior to 2.2.2 of Apache uimaDUCC. The vulnerability is related to an XML external entity expansion (XXE) capability of various XML parsers used by Apache uimaj. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to exploit tainted XML sources and disclose local files or other internal content.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in Apache uimaj arises due to improper restriction of XML external entity references. When Apache uimaj reads XML from various sources during its configuration and operation, it may encounter tainted XML that can trigger unintended disclosure of local files or other internal content. This can lead to sensitive information exposure and potential compromise of the affected system. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.5, indicating a moderate severity level.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 3.6.1 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
2.4.0
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 →
Workaround
There is no specific workaround provided for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the fix by upgrading to the latest secure versions of the affected packages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apache uimaj framework is vulnerable to an XML external entity (XXE) vulnerability, which can result in the disclosure of sensitive information. It is crucial to upgrade to the fixed versions of the affected packages and review XML sources to prevent the inclusion of malicious content. For further support on vulnerability remediation, contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.apache.uima:uimafit-core →
FAQ
Apache uimaj is an open-source framework for building natural language processing (NLP) applications. It provides Java libraries and tools for creating, annotating, and analyzing text data.
An XML external entity (XXE) vulnerability is a type of attack that exploits the ability of XML parsers to process external entities. By including malicious external entities in XML input, an attacker can read sensitive files, perform server-side request forgery (SSRF), or launch denial-of-service attacks.
This vulnerability in Apache uimaj can lead to the inadvertent disclosure of local files or other internal content. It may allow an attacker to access sensitive information and potentially compromise the affected system.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 6.5, indicating a moderate severity level.
To fix this vulnerability, upgrade to the fixed versions of the affected packages. Upgrade to Apache uimaj 2.10.2 or later, Apache uimaFIT 2.4.0 or later, and Apache uimaDUCC 2.2.2 or later. Ensure all dependencies and plugins are updated to the latest secure versions.
