Apache PDFBox XML Parser XML External Entity Vulnerability [CVE-2019-0228]
CVE Number – CVE-2019-0228
A vulnerability in Apache PDFBox could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct an XML External Entity (XXE) attack on a targeted system.
The vulnerability exists because the affected software improperly initializes the XML parser. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by submitting a XFDF file that submits malicious input to the affected software. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to conduct an XXE attack, which could be used to conduct further attacks.
Apache has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.
Analysis
- To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must submit a crafted XFDF file to be processed by the affected application on a targeted system, making exploitation more difficult in environments that restrict network access from untrusted sources.
Safeguards
- Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.
Administrators are advised to run both firewall and antivirus applications to minimize the potential of inbound and outbound threats.
Administrators may consider using IP-based access control lists (ACLs) to allow only trusted systems to access the affected systems.
Administrators can help protect affected systems from external attacks by using a solid firewall strategy.
Administrators are advised to monitor affected systems.
Vendor Announcements
- Apache has released a security notice at the following link: CVE-2019-0228
Fixed Software
- Apache has released software updates at the following link: Apache PDFBox 2.0.15
Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.