Critical Security Vulnerability in libxml2: Use-After-Free and Buffer Overflow Issues
Summary
RLSA-2025:2679: Important: libxml2 security update. Affects libxml2 versions < 0:2.9.13-6.el9_5.2. Fixed in 0:2.9.13-6.el9_5.2. How to fix ↓
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Background
libxml2 is a widely used development library that provides tools for parsing and manipulating XML documents. It supports various XML standards and is integral to many applications that require XML processing. The library is known for its performance and flexibility, making it a popular choice among developers. However, recent vulnerabilities have been identified that could compromise the security of applications relying on this library.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerabilities in libxml2 include a Use-After-Free issue (CVE-2024-56171) and a stack-based buffer overflow in the xmlSnprintfElements function (CVE-2025-24928). The Use-After-Free vulnerability can allow an attacker to exploit memory that has already been freed, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The buffer overflow can result in memory corruption, which may also allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or crash the application. Both vulnerabilities pose significant risks to the integrity and confidentiality of data processed by applications using libxml2.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
0:2.9.13-6.el9_5.2
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo dnf update libxml2Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can limit the use of libxml2 in your applications until the update is applied. Review your code to ensure that it does not handle untrusted XML data, which could be exploited through these vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The identified vulnerabilities in libxml2 are serious and require immediate attention. By updating to the latest patched version, users can mitigate the risks associated with these vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and manage open-source vulnerabilities effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for libxml2 →
FAQ
CVE-2024-56171 is a security vulnerability in libxml2 that involves a Use-After-Free condition, which can lead to arbitrary code execution.
CVE-2025-24928 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the xmlSnprintfElements function of libxml2, which can cause memory corruption.
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The vulnerabilities can lead to arbitrary code execution, data breaches, and application crashes, posing significant risks to the security of affected systems.
The vulnerabilities have a CVSS score of 8.1, indicating they are critical and should be addressed immediately to protect your systems.
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