CVE-2017-15691 in uimaj
Summary
by MITRE
In Apache uimaj prior to 2.10.2, Apache uimaj 3.0.0-xxx prior to 3.0.0-beta, Apache uima-as prior to 2.10.2, Apache uimaFIT prior to 2.4.0, Apache uimaDUCC prior to 2.2.2, this vulnerability relates to an XML external entity expansion (XXE) capability of various XML parsers. UIMA as part of its configuration and operation may read XML from various sources, which could be tainted in ways to cause inadvertent disclosure of local files or other internal content.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15691 represents a critical XML external entity expansion flaw affecting multiple components within the Apache UIMA ecosystem including uimaj, uima-as, uimaFIT, and uimaDUCC. This vulnerability stems from the improper handling of XML input within the parsing mechanisms of these frameworks, creating an attack surface where maliciously crafted XML documents can trigger unintended behavior. The flaw specifically manifests when these systems process XML configuration files or data inputs that contain external entity declarations, allowing attackers to exploit the XML parser's capability to resolve external references. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-611 as an Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference, which directly aligns with the fundamental principles of XML security that mandate strict controls over external entity resolution to prevent information disclosure and denial of service attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Apache UIMA components encounter XML documents containing external entity references that point to local files or network resources. When these parsers process such inputs without proper sanitization or entity resolution restrictions, they automatically resolve these external references, potentially exposing sensitive local files, internal network resources, or system information to unauthorized parties. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious XML payloads that contain entity declarations referencing local file paths, which when processed by the vulnerable UIMA components, result in the inadvertent disclosure of system content. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where UIMA frameworks are often used to process sensitive data, as it can lead to information leakage that may include configuration files, user data, or system credentials stored in accessible locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15691 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the targeted environment. Organizations using affected Apache UIMA components face risks including unauthorized access to internal system files, potential escalation to privilege escalation attacks, and exposure of sensitive business data through the XML processing mechanisms. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Apache UIMA products, making it particularly concerning for enterprises that utilize multiple components from this ecosystem. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for XML external entity processing and T1005 for data from local system information, representing a significant threat to information security. The impact is particularly severe in environments where UIMA frameworks process untrusted XML data from external sources, such as user submissions, third-party integrations, or file uploads, as these scenarios create ideal conditions for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15691 primarily focus on updating affected components to versions that address the XML external entity processing vulnerability. The most effective approach involves upgrading all affected Apache UIMA products to versions 2.10.2 or later for uimaj and uima-as, 2.4.0 or later for uimaFIT, and 2.2.2 or later for uimaDUCC. Additionally, organizations should implement strict XML input validation and sanitization procedures, configure XML parsers to disable external entity resolution, and establish robust access controls around XML processing components. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual XML processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices for XML processing and aligns with industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks that emphasize proper input validation and secure configuration of XML parsers to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in enterprise applications.