CVE-2018-1309: Apache NiFi External XML Entity Reference Restriction
Summary
CVE-2018-1309: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference in Apache NiFi. Affects org.apache.nifi:nifi-standard-processors versions >= 0.1.0, < 1.6.0. Fixed in 1.6.0. How to fix ↓
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Background
Apache NiFi is an open-source data integration tool that provides a web-based interface for designing, managing, and monitoring data flows. It allows users to collect, transform, and route data between different systems. The SplitXML processor in Apache NiFi is responsible for splitting XML content into separate flow files. However, a vulnerability in this processor allows for improper restriction of XML external entity references, which can lead to information disclosure or remote code execution.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper handling of external general entities and doctype declarations in XML content processed by the SplitXML processor. An attacker can craft malicious XML content that includes external entity references, which can be used to read sensitive files from the server or execute arbitrary code. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, data leakage, or even complete compromise of the affected system. The severity of this vulnerability is rated as CRITICAL with a CVSS score of 9.8.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 2.12.0 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
1.6.0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the fix by upgrading to the fixed version of Apache NiFi.
Conclusion
The Apache NiFi SplitXML processor is vulnerable to an external XML entity reference restriction issue, which can lead to information disclosure or remote code execution. Users should upgrade to the fixed version (1.6.0 or later) to mitigate the risk. For further support on vulnerability remediation, contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Apache NiFi is an open-source data integration tool that provides a web-based interface for designing, managing, and monitoring data flows.
The SplitXML processor in Apache NiFi is responsible for splitting XML content into separate flow files.
This vulnerability can lead to information disclosure or remote code execution, potentially resulting in unauthorized access to sensitive information, data leakage, or complete compromise of the affected system.
To fix this vulnerability, upgrade to the fixed version of Apache NiFi (1.6.0 or later).
No, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the fix by upgrading to the fixed version of Apache NiFi.
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