CVE-2017-20151 in RUPS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2022
A vulnerability classified as problematic was found in iText RUPS. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file src/main/java/com/itextpdf/rups/model/XfaFile.java. The manipulation leads to xml external entity reference. The name of the patch is ac5590925874ef810018a6b60fec216eee54fb32. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. VDB-217054 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-20151 represents a critical security flaw within the iText RUPS (RESTful Universal PDF Server) application that specifically targets the XfaFile.java component. This issue manifests as an XML external entity reference vulnerability, which falls under the CWE-611 classification for improper restriction of XML external entity reference. The vulnerability resides in the src/main/java/com/itextpdf/rups/model/XfaFile.java file and demonstrates how improper XML parsing can lead to significant security implications for applications processing PDF documents with XFA (XML Forms Architecture) data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes XML content without proper validation or sanitization of external entity references. When maliciously crafted XML data is parsed by the XfaFile.java component, it can trigger unauthorized access to internal resources, potentially enabling attackers to perform server-side request forgery attacks, read local files, or even execute arbitrary code on the affected system. This flaw directly impacts the application's ability to safely handle untrusted input from PDF documents, particularly those containing XFA forms that may include external entity declarations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information within the application's operational environment. Organizations relying on iText RUPS for PDF processing and management face significant risks including data leakage, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification as problematic indicates that it can be exploited with relatively low complexity, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to exploit weak points in document processing applications.
Security mitigation for CVE-2017-20151 requires immediate implementation of the provided patch identified as ac559090925874ef810018a6b60fec216eee54fb32. This patch specifically addresses the XML external entity processing in the XfaFile.java component and should be applied across all affected iText RUPS installations. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation for all XML content, disabling external entity resolution in XML parsers, and regular security assessments of PDF processing workflows. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for XML external entity processing and represents a common vector for privilege escalation attacks in document processing applications. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability scans to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place to prevent future exploitation attempts.