CVE-2018-11788: XML External Entity Reference in Apache Karaf
Summary
CVE-2018-11788: XML External Entity Reference in Apache Karaf. Affects org.apache.karaf.specs:org.apache.karaf.specs.java.xml across 2 version ranges.
< 4.1.7
>= 4.2.0, < 4.2.2
Fixed in 4.1.7 or 4.2.2, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
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Background
Apache Karaf is an open-source OSGi-based runtime container for deploying and managing applications. It provides a features deployer that allows users to hot deploy a features XML file by placing it in the deploy folder. The features XML is parsed by the XMLInputFactory class. However, prior to versions 4.1.7 and 4.2.2, Apache Karaf did not include any mitigation codes against XML External Entity (XXE) attacks.
Vulnerability Detail
The absence of XXE mitigation in Apache Karaf versions prior to 4.1.7 and 4.2.2 poses a potential security risk. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by injecting external XML entities, leading to various consequences such as information disclosure, denial of service, or server-side request forgery. This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating its critical severity.
How To Fix
Fixed versions by release line
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
< 4.1.74.1.7 -
>= 4.2.0, < 4.2.24.2.2
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Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to apply the recommended fix by upgrading to Apache Karaf version 4.1.7 or 4.2.2.
Conclusion
The XML External Entity Reference vulnerability in Apache Karaf versions prior to 4.1.7 and 4.2.2 can be mitigated by upgrading to the latest secure version. It is crucial to promptly apply the recommended fix to protect against potential exploitation. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.apache.karaf.specs:org.apache.karaf.specs.java.xml →
FAQ
Apache Karaf is an open-source OSGi-based runtime container for deploying and managing applications.
XML External Entity (XXE) is a vulnerability that allows an attacker to include external entities in an XML document, potentially leading to information disclosure, denial of service, or server-side request forgery.
The consequences of this vulnerability can include information disclosure, denial of service, or server-side request forgery, depending on how it is exploited.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 9.8, indicating its critical severity.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to Apache Karaf version 4.1.7 or 4.2.2.
