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CVE-2018-12544: Eclipse Vert.X: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference

CVE-2018-12544 is rated critical with a CVSS v3.0 base score of 9.8 and affects Eclipse Vert.X. Per its scoring, it can be exploited over the network, without authentication, without any user interaction. The scored impact on confidentiality, integrity and availability is the highest available.

Vulnerability description

In version from 3.5.Beta1 to 3.5.3 of Eclipse Vert.x, the OpenAPI XML type validator creates XML parsers without taking appropriate defense against XML attacks. This mechanism is exclusively when the developer uses the Eclipse Vert.x OpenAPI XML type validator to validate a provided schema.

Severity breakdown

CVSS v3.0 9.8: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

  • Attack vector: Network. Exploitable remotely over the network, with no need for local or physical access.
  • Attack complexity: Low. No special conditions; the attack can be repeated reliably.
  • Privileges required: None. No account or prior access is needed.
  • User interaction: None. No action from any user is needed.
  • Scope: Unchanged. Impact stays within the vulnerable component.
  • Confidentiality impact: High. Total loss of confidentiality; sensitive data can be fully disclosed.
  • Integrity impact: High. Total loss of integrity; data or system state can be fully modified.
  • Availability impact: High. Total loss of availability; the component can be shut down.

Underlying weakness

CWE-611: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference

The product processes an XML document that can contain XML entities with URIs that resolve to documents outside of the intended sphere of control, causing the product to embed incorrect documents into its output.

Affected products

  • Eclipse Vert.X: 3.5.0; 3.5.0 beta1; 3.5.1; 3.5.2; 3.5.2 cr1; 3.5.2 cr2; 3.5.2 cr3; 3.5.3; 3.5.3 cr1

References