Buffer Over-read Vulnerability in libxml2's xmllint Tool
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2024-34459: An issue was discovered in xmllint (from libxml2) before 2.11.8 and 2.12.x before 2.12.7. Affects libxml2 versions < 2.11.8-r0. Fixed in 2.11.8-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
libxml2 is a widely used XML parsing library that provides tools for processing XML documents. One of its components, xmllint, is a command-line utility that allows users to validate and format XML files. This library is integral to many applications that require XML processing due to its efficiency and robustness. However, recent findings have revealed vulnerabilities in certain versions of xmllint that can lead to security issues, particularly when handling HTML output.
Vulnerability Detail
An issue was discovered in xmllint (from libxml2) before version 2.11.8 and in the 2.12.x series before version 2.12.7. The vulnerability arises from a formatting error in error messages when using the command 'xmllint --htmlout'. This can result in a buffer over-read in the function xmlHTMLPrintFileContext located in xmllint.c. Such a buffer over-read could potentially allow an attacker to exploit the application, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or application crashes.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.11.8-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade libxml2Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds provided for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to update to the patched versions as mentioned above.
Conclusion
The buffer over-read vulnerability in libxml2's xmllint tool poses a serious risk to applications that rely on this library for XML processing. It is crucial for users to update to the latest patched versions to safeguard their applications against potential exploits. Regular monitoring for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert can also help maintain application security.
See every vulnerability recorded for libxml2 →
FAQ
The vulnerability is a buffer over-read that occurs in the xmllint tool when formatting error messages with the --htmlout option.
Versions of libxml2 before 2.11.8 and 2.12.x before 2.12.7 are affected by this vulnerability.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or application crashes, posing a significant security risk.
Currently, there are no specific workarounds available. The recommended action is to update to the patched versions of libxml2.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for libxml2.
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