Denial of Service Vulnerability in libxerces2-java: Apache Xerces2 Java Parser Prior to 2.12.0
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2012-0881: Apache Xerces2 Java Parser before 2.12.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU consumption) via a crafted message to an XML service, which triggers hash table collisions. Affects libxerces2-java versions 2.12.1-1 – 2.12.2-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
libxerces2-java is a Java library that provides a robust and efficient XML parsing solution. It is widely used in various applications to handle XML data, offering features such as validation, DOM and SAX parsing, and support for XML Schema. However, versions prior to 2.12.0 are vulnerable to a denial of service attack, which can severely impact the performance of applications relying on this library.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0881 allows remote attackers to exploit the Apache Xerces2 Java Parser by sending a specially crafted XML message. This message triggers hash table collisions, leading to excessive CPU consumption and potential denial of service. The flaw originates from the way the parser handles certain XML structures, making it susceptible to attacks that can degrade system performance.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can implement input validation to filter out potentially harmful XML messages before they reach the parser. This may involve using a proxy or middleware to inspect and sanitize incoming XML data.
Conclusion
The CVE-2012-0881 vulnerability in libxerces2-java poses a significant risk to applications that rely on this XML parsing library. It is crucial to update to the latest version to mitigate the risk of denial of service attacks. Implementing workarounds can provide temporary relief, but the best solution is to ensure your software is up to date.
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FAQ
CVE-2012-0881 is a vulnerability in the Apache Xerces2 Java Parser that allows remote attackers to cause denial of service through crafted XML messages.
If your application uses libxerces2-java versions prior to 2.12.0, it may be susceptible to denial of service attacks, leading to performance degradation or application crashes.
If immediate updates are not feasible, consider implementing input validation or using a proxy to filter XML messages as a temporary measure.
You can find detailed information about CVE-2012-0881 in the official Debian security advisory and other security databases.
Vulert provides real-time monitoring and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities using a manifest file like package-lock.json, allowing you to stay informed about potential risks.
References
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