Critical Use-After-Free Vulnerability in libxml2: CVE-2024-56171
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2024-56171: libxml2 before 2.12.10 and 2.13.x before 2.13.6 has a use-after-free in xmlSchemaIDCFillNodeTables and xmlSchemaBubbleIDCNodeTables in xmlschemas.c. Affects libxml2 versions < 2.11.8-r1. Fixed in 2.11.8-r1. How to fix ↓
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Background
libxml2 is a widely-used XML parsing library that provides a range of functionalities for XML document handling, including validation against schemas. It is known for its performance and compliance with XML standards. However, certain versions of libxml2 are vulnerable to a use-after-free issue, which can lead to security risks when processing crafted XML documents.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-56171 affects libxml2 versions prior to 2.12.10 and 2.13.x before 2.13.6. It arises from a use-after-free condition in the functions xmlSchemaIDCFillNodeTables and xmlSchemaBubbleIDCNodeTables within xmlschemas.c. Exploiting this vulnerability requires a specially crafted XML document that is validated against an XML schema with specific identity constraints, or a crafted XML schema itself. If successfully exploited, this could lead to application crashes or arbitrary code execution, posing significant risks to the integrity and confidentiality of the system.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.11.8-r1
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
If immediate updating is not feasible, consider implementing input validation to ensure that XML documents and schemas are not crafted in a way that could exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, avoid using the affected functions until the library is updated.
Conclusion
The CVE-2024-56171 vulnerability in libxml2 poses significant risks due to a use-after-free condition that can be exploited through crafted XML documents. It is crucial to update to the patched versions to mitigate these risks. Users should also consider using tools like Vulert for ongoing monitoring of vulnerabilities in their applications.
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FAQ
CVE-2024-56171 is a critical vulnerability in libxml2 that allows for a use-after-free condition, potentially leading to application crashes or arbitrary code execution.
Versions of libxml2 prior to 2.12.10 and 2.13.x before 2.13.6 are affected by this vulnerability.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to application crashes or arbitrary code execution, compromising system integrity and data security.
Implement input validation to prevent the use of crafted XML documents and schemas that could exploit the vulnerability, and avoid using the affected functions until an update is applied.
References
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