CVE-2015-0264 in Camel
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple XML external entity (XXE) vulnerabilities in builder/xml/XPathBuilder.java in Apache Camel before 2.13.4 and 2.14.x before 2.14.2 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via an external entity in an invalid XML (1) String or (2) GenericFile object in an XPath query.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2022
The CVE-2015-0264 vulnerability represents a critical XML external entity processing flaw within the Apache Camel messaging framework that affects versions prior to 2.13.4 and 2.14.2. This vulnerability resides in the builder/xml/XPathBuilder.java component and demonstrates how improper XML parsing can lead to severe information disclosure risks. The flaw specifically manifests when Apache Camel processes XPath queries that contain malformed XML structures, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit the system's XML parser behavior. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-611, which focuses on improper restriction of XML external entity reference, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 related to data from information repositories. The security implications extend beyond simple file reading, as this vulnerability can potentially enable attackers to access sensitive system resources and configuration files that may contain credentials, system paths, or other confidential information.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves Apache Camel's XPathBuilder component failing to properly sanitize XML input when processing XPath queries. When an attacker crafts malicious XML content containing external entity declarations, the system's XML parser may resolve these entities and attempt to read arbitrary files from the local filesystem. This occurs because the XML parser is not configured to disable external entity resolution or to properly validate the structure of incoming XML data. The vulnerability affects both String-based and GenericFile object processing within XPath queries, making it particularly insidious as it can be exploited through multiple input vectors. The flaw essentially allows attackers to leverage the XML parsing capabilities of the framework to bypass normal access controls and retrieve files that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Apache Camel is used for integration between different systems and applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0264 is substantial, as it can enable attackers to extract sensitive data from systems running vulnerable versions of Apache Camel. An attacker who can inject malicious XML into XPath queries can potentially access configuration files, application data, system logs, and other sensitive resources that may contain authentication credentials, database connection strings, or other confidential information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated attacks. The attack surface is broad since XPath queries are commonly used in integration scenarios and messaging systems where XML data processing is prevalent. Organizations using Apache Camel for enterprise integration may be unknowingly exposing their systems to data exfiltration attacks, especially in environments where input validation is not properly implemented or where legacy systems are not regularly updated.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0264 should focus on immediate version upgrades to Apache Camel 2.13.4 or 2.14.2, which contain the necessary patches to address the XXE vulnerability. Organizations should also implement comprehensive XML input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious XML content from reaching the XPath processing components. Security teams should consider implementing XML parser configurations that disable external entity resolution and DTD processing entirely. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable Apache Camel versions. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated systems to ensure that the patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing integrations. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and logging for XML processing activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire technology stack, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper XML processing security measures in enterprise integration platforms.