CVE-2023-39615: libxml2 - Crafted XML Can Cause Global Buffer Overflow
Summary
CVE-2023-39615: Xmlsoft Libxml2 v2.11.0 was discovered to contain an out-of-bounds read via the xmlSAX2StartElement() function at /libxml2/SAX2.c. Affects libxml2 across 2 version ranges.
< 2.9.10+dfsg-6.7+deb11u6
< f296934ade688baab79caf1c62a82149ad78accf
Fixed in 2.9.10+dfsg-6.7+deb11u6. How to fix ↓
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Background
libxml2 is a widely-used software library for parsing and manipulating XML files. It provides a set of APIs and tools for developers to work with XML data. The vulnerability (CVE-2023-39615) affects libxml2 version 2.9.14+dfsg-1.3~deb12u1. This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) by supplying a crafted XML file. The issue originates from an out-of-bounds read in the xmlSAX2StartElement() function in the SAX2.c file. It is important to note that the vendor does not support the legacy SAX1 interface with custom callbacks, and the vulnerability can be triggered even without crafted input.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability (CVE-2023-39615) in libxml2 allows for a global buffer overflow when processing a specially crafted XML file. This can lead to a Denial of Service (DoS) condition, causing the application to crash. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by providing a malicious XML file to the affected application. The out-of-bounds read occurs in the xmlSAX2StartElement() function, which is responsible for parsing XML elements. By manipulating certain elements in the XML file, an attacker can trigger the buffer overflow and potentially execute arbitrary code or crash the application. The severity of this vulnerability is rated as MEDIUM with a CVSS score of 6.5.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.9.10+dfsg-6.7+deb11u6
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade libxml2Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, users can mitigate the risk by ensuring that they only process trusted XML files from trusted sources. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques can help prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The vulnerability (CVE-2023-39615) in libxml2 can be exploited by providing a specially crafted XML file, leading to a global buffer overflow and potential Denial of Service (DoS) or code execution. It is crucial to update libxml2 to the latest patched version to mitigate this vulnerability. Users should also exercise caution when processing XML files from untrusted sources. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for libxml2 →
FAQ
libxml2 is a software library for parsing and manipulating XML files. It provides APIs and tools for developers to work with XML data.
The vulnerability allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) by supplying a crafted XML file. It can lead to application crashes and potential code execution.
To fix the vulnerability, update libxml2 to the latest patched version provided by your distribution. For Debian-based systems, use the package manager to update libxml2.
While no specific workaround is mentioned, users can mitigate the risk by processing only trusted XML files and implementing proper input validation.
The severity of this vulnerability is rated as MEDIUM with a CVSS score of 6.5.
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