CVE-2022-25236: Namespace Separator Character Injection in Expat
Summary
CVE-2022-25236: xmlparse.c in Expat (aka libexpat) before 2.4.5 allows attackers to insert namespace-separator characters into namespace URIs. Affects expat across 2 version ranges.
< 2.2.10-r2
< 97a4840578693a346e79302909b67d97492e1880
Fixed in 2.2.10-r2. How to fix ↓
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Background
Expat (aka libexpat) is an open-source XML parsing library that is widely used in various applications and programming languages. It provides a set of functions and APIs to parse XML documents and extract information from them. Expat is vulnerable to a namespace separator character injection vulnerability, which allows attackers to insert namespace-separator characters into namespace URIs. This vulnerability can be exploited to manipulate XML parsing and potentially lead to security breaches or data corruption.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability (CVE-2022-25236) in Expat arises from a lack of proper validation and sanitization of namespace URIs. By inserting namespace-separator characters into namespace URIs, attackers can bypass security measures and potentially execute arbitrary code or perform unauthorized actions. This can result in various consequences, including remote code execution, information disclosure, or denial of service. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating its critical severity.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.2.10-r2
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade expatTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, developers can implement input validation and sanitization mechanisms to filter out any namespace-separator characters from user-supplied input. This can be done by using regular expressions or string manipulation functions to remove or replace the characters. However, this workaround is not a comprehensive solution and should be followed by applying the official patch or update as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The vulnerability (CVE-2022-25236) in Expat poses a significant risk to applications and systems that utilize the library for XML parsing. It is crucial to promptly update to the patched version (2.4.5 or later) to mitigate the vulnerability. Developers should also implement input validation and sanitization mechanisms to enhance security. For further support on vulnerability remediation, contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Expat is an open-source XML parsing library used in various applications and programming languages.
The vulnerability allows attackers to insert namespace-separator characters into namespace URIs, potentially leading to security breaches or data corruption.
To fix the vulnerability, update the Expat library to version 2.4.5 or later.
A temporary workaround is to implement input validation and sanitization mechanisms to filter out namespace-separator characters.
The CVSS score of the vulnerability is 9.8, indicating its critical severity.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for expat.
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