CVE-2013-2210 in XML Security for C++
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the XML Signature Reference functionality in Apache Santuario XML Security for C++ (aka xml-security-c) before 1.7.2 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via malformed XPointer expressions. NOTE: this is due to an incorrect fix for CVE-2013-2154.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2210 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within Apache Santuario XML Security for C++ library, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.7.2. This flaw resides in the XML Signature Reference functionality and manifests through the processing of malformed XPointer expressions, creating a dangerous scenario where context-dependent attackers can exploit the vulnerability to trigger system crashes or potentially achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability emerged as an incorrect fix for CVE-2013-2154, demonstrating how remediation efforts can sometimes introduce new security weaknesses rather than resolving existing ones.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the XML Security for C++ library's handling of XPointer expressions used in XML signature references. When the library processes malformed XPointer data structures, it fails to properly validate input boundaries before performing memory allocation operations, leading to heap corruption that can result in memory overwrite conditions. This heap-based buffer overflow occurs because the library does not adequately check the length of incoming XPointer expressions against allocated buffer sizes, allowing attackers to craft malicious inputs that exceed intended memory boundaries and overwrite adjacent memory segments.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2210 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the vulnerability creates potential for remote code execution in certain environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw to cause application crashes that may lead to system instability, service disruption, and in more severe cases, arbitrary code execution on systems running vulnerable versions of the library. The context-dependent nature of the attack means that exploitation requires specific conditions where the vulnerable library processes XML signatures containing crafted XPointer expressions, making it particularly dangerous in web applications, middleware systems, or any environment where XML signature validation occurs.
Organizations utilizing Apache Santuario XML Security for C++ should prioritize immediate remediation through patching to version 1.7.2 or later, which contains the corrected implementation addressing both the original vulnerability and the regression introduced by the previous flawed fix. Additional mitigations include implementing input validation measures that filter or reject malformed XPointer expressions before they reach the vulnerable library components, deploying network segmentation to limit exposure of systems running the affected library, and monitoring for unusual XML signature processing patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, Heap-based Buffer Overflow, and represents a specific implementation weakness that can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, when considering the potential for arbitrary code execution in affected systems.