CVE-2015-0263 in Camel
Summary
by MITRE
XML external entity (XXE) vulnerability in the XML converter setup in converter/jaxp/XmlConverter.java in Apache Camel before 2.13.4 and 2.14.x before 2.14.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via an external entity in an SAXSource.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2022
The CVE-2015-0263 vulnerability represents a critical XML external entity processing flaw within Apache Camel's XML converter component, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.13.4 and 2.14.2. This vulnerability resides in the converter/jaxp/XmlConverter.java file and enables remote attackers to exploit XML parsing mechanisms through maliciously crafted external entities within SAXSource objects. The flaw fundamentally stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of external entity references during XML processing operations, creating a pathway for unauthorized file access and potential data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the standard XML parsing behavior where external entities are resolved and processed by default in many XML parsers. When Apache Camel's XmlConverter processes incoming XML data through SAXSource objects, it fails to properly sanitize or restrict external entity references, allowing attackers to craft XML payloads that reference local files on the server system. This creates a direct attack vector where malicious XML input can trigger the parser to resolve external entities pointing to sensitive files such as configuration files, system binaries, or database credentials stored on the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0263 extends beyond simple file reading capabilities, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including denial of service through resource exhaustion, information disclosure of sensitive system data, and potentially remote code execution depending on the target environment and file access permissions. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access critical system information, extract database connection strings, read application configuration files, or even access system-level files that may contain authentication tokens or other sensitive credentials. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where Apache Camel processes untrusted XML input from external sources, such as web services, API endpoints, or file upload mechanisms.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-611, which specifically addresses improper restriction of XML external entity reference, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from information repositories. Organizations utilizing Apache Camel in production environments should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions 2.13.4 or 2.14.2, implementing strict XML parser configurations that disable external entity processing, and applying input validation controls to prevent malformed XML from reaching the vulnerable converter component. Additional defensive measures include network segmentation, web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious XML processing patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.