CVE-2015-10082 in libplist
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2023
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in UIKit0 libplist 1.12. This affects the function plist_from_xml of the file src/xplist.c of the component XML Handler. The manipulation leads to xml external entity reference. The name of the patch is c086cb139af7c82845f6d565e636073ff4b37440. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-221499.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2023
This vulnerability resides within the libplist library version 1.12, specifically affecting the UIKit0 implementation where an insecure XML parsing mechanism allows for external entity reference attacks. The flaw exists in the plist_from_xml function located within src/xplist.c, which processes XML data without proper validation of external entity declarations. When malformed XML input is processed, the parser can be manipulated to reference external resources, potentially leading to information disclosure, denial of service, or remote code execution depending on the implementation context. The vulnerability represents a classic xml external entity injection flaw that enables attackers to exploit the XML handler component by crafting malicious input that triggers unintended resource resolution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the XML parsing pipeline. The plist_from_xml function fails to properly restrict or disable external entity resolution during XML processing, allowing attackers to include external entity references in their input. This creates a condition where the XML parser will attempt to resolve these external references, potentially accessing local files, network resources, or executing arbitrary code depending on the parser implementation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects a core library component used for parsing property list files, which are commonly used in system configuration and application data management across various platforms. This weakness aligns with CWE-611, which specifically addresses improper restriction of XML external entities, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices for XML processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities by accessing local system resources through file inclusion mechanisms. When exploited, the vulnerability allows for potential information leakage from the target system, including sensitive configuration files, system paths, or other locally accessible data. In more severe scenarios, if the XML parser implementation supports arbitrary code execution through external entity references, attackers could potentially achieve remote code execution on the affected system. The vulnerability affects systems that utilize libplist for processing XML-based property lists, particularly those handling untrusted input from external sources. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where property list files are processed from user uploads, network sources, or other untrusted origins, as demonstrated by the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper XML parser configuration that disables external entity resolution entirely, as recommended in the patch c086cb139af7c82845f6d565e636073ff4b37440. Organizations should ensure that all XML processing components are configured to reject external entity declarations and DTD (Document Type Definition) processing. The recommended approach involves updating to patched versions of libplist or implementing input validation measures that prevent malicious XML content from being processed. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and network segmentation can limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing application firewalls or web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious XML patterns, particularly those containing external entity references. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated library versions that may contain similar vulnerabilities, as this represents a common class of security issues in XML processing components.