Apache Tika XML External Entity (XXE) Vulnerability - CVE-2016-4434
Summary
CVE-2016-4434: Apache Tika before 1.13 does not properly initialize the XML parser or choose handlers, which might allow remote attackers to conduct XML External Entity (XXE) attacks via vectors involving (1) spreadsheets in OOXML file... Affects tika across 2 version ranges.
< 1.18-1
< c0d2b4fc5a8b06d3939253853e0fed005fd7771a
Fixed in 1.18-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
Apache Tika is a content analysis toolkit that detects and extracts metadata and text from various documents. It is widely used for parsing and indexing files in different formats, including PDFs and OOXML files. The vulnerability CVE-2016-4434 affects versions of Tika prior to 1.13, where improper initialization of the XML parser can lead to serious security risks, particularly XML External Entity (XXE) attacks.
Vulnerability Detail
CVE-2016-4434 arises from Apache Tika's failure to properly initialize its XML parser or select appropriate handlers. This oversight allows remote attackers to exploit the system through specially crafted OOXML files or XMP metadata in PDFs and other formats. The potential ramifications include unauthorized access to sensitive data, denial of service, and other malicious activities that could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the system.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.18-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade tikaTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If upgrading is not immediately possible, consider disabling XML parsing features in Tika or using a different parser that is not vulnerable to XXE attacks. However, this may limit some functionalities of Tika.
Conclusion
CVE-2016-4434 is a significant vulnerability in Apache Tika that can lead to serious security risks if not addressed. It is crucial for users of Tika to upgrade to the latest version to mitigate these risks and ensure the security of their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for tika →
FAQ
CVE-2016-4434 is a vulnerability in Apache Tika that allows for XML External Entity (XXE) attacks due to improper initialization of the XML parser.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
The risks include unauthorized access to sensitive data, potential denial of service, and exploitation of the system by remote attackers.
The CVSS score for CVE-2016-4434 is 7.8, indicating a high severity level.
You can upgrade Apache Tika by using the command 'sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade tika' on Debian-based systems.
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