CVE-2012-5656 in Inkscape
Summary
by MITRE
The rasterization process in Inkscape before 0.48.4 allows local users to read arbitrary files via an external entity in a SVG file, aka an XML external entity (XXE) injection attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5656 represents a critical XML external entity injection flaw within Inkscape's rasterization engine prior to version 0.48.4. This weakness occurs during the processing of Scalable Vector Graphics files where the application fails to properly validate and sanitize external entity references within XML structures. The flaw specifically affects the handling of XML entities during SVG file parsing, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the software's XML parser through crafted external entity declarations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within Inkscape's XML processing pipeline. When the application encounters an SVG file containing malicious XML external entity declarations, it attempts to resolve these entities by accessing external resources specified in the entity definitions. This behavior enables local attackers to construct specially crafted SVG files that reference arbitrary local files on the victim system, allowing unauthorized file access and potential information disclosure. The vulnerability operates at the parser level where XML entities are expanded without proper restrictions on external resource access, creating a direct attack surface for XXE injection techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5656 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive files such as configuration data, user credentials, or system information from the local filesystem. The local privilege requirement means that successful exploitation would typically require an attacker to have access to the target system and the ability to execute malicious SVG files through Inkscape. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-611, which specifically addresses Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference, and demonstrates how insecure XML processing can lead to unauthorized data access.
This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers "Phishing via Service" and T1059.007 which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript". The XXE injection pattern represents a well-established attack vector that has been documented across numerous applications and platforms. The security implications extend to potential data exfiltration and privilege escalation scenarios, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities. Organizations using Inkscape versions prior to 0.48.4 should consider this vulnerability as a critical risk factor in their security posture, especially in environments where SVG files might be processed from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5656 primarily focus on updating to Inkscape version 0.48.4 or later, which includes proper XML entity validation and restriction mechanisms. Security administrators should implement strict file validation policies and consider sandboxing SVG file processing to prevent unauthorized file access. Additional protective measures include disabling external entity resolution in XML parsers and implementing network-level restrictions to prevent access to sensitive local resources. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper XML processing security measures and highlights how seemingly innocuous file format processing can create significant security risks when external entity handling is not properly restricted.