CVE-2018-11210 in TinyXML2
Summary
by MITRE
TinyXML2 6.2.0 has a heap-based buffer over-read in the XMLDocument::Parse function in libtinyxml2.so.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11210 affects TinyXML2 version 6.2.0 and represents a heap-based buffer over-read condition within the XMLDocument::Parse function of the libtinyxml2.so library. This flaw occurs when processing malformed XML input data, creating a situation where the parser reads memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices during XML parsing operations, allowing attackers to potentially access sensitive data or cause application instability. The issue manifests specifically within the parsing logic where the software fails to properly bounds-check memory accesses when handling certain XML structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the XMLDocument::Parse function executing without proper boundary checks on heap-allocated memory regions. When malformed XML data is processed, the parser's internal buffer management mechanism fails to validate the extent of memory reads, leading to over-read conditions that can expose adjacent memory contents. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations. The over-read behavior can result in information disclosure where sensitive data from adjacent memory locations becomes accessible to unauthorized parties, or it may cause application crashes due to memory access violations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the parsing layer, meaning any application that utilizes TinyXML2 for XML processing could be affected regardless of the application's specific use case.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11210 extends beyond simple application instability to potential security implications including information disclosure and denial of service conditions. Attackers can craft malicious XML payloads that trigger the over-read condition, potentially exposing memory contents that may include sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or application state data. The vulnerability affects systems where TinyXML2 is integrated as a dependency, making it particularly dangerous in web applications, middleware systems, and any software that processes untrusted XML input from external sources. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for XML and JSON injection, where the over-read condition can be exploited as part of a broader attack chain. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard XML input channels, making it a significant concern for systems handling XML data from external sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11210 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of TinyXML2 where the buffer over-read condition has been addressed through proper bounds checking and memory management. Organizations should immediately upgrade to TinyXML2 version 6.2.1 or later, which includes fixes for this specific vulnerability. Additionally, input validation measures should be implemented at the application level to sanitize XML data before processing, including implementing proper XML schema validation and limiting input size constraints. Network-based mitigations such as XML firewalls or API gateways can provide additional protection layers by filtering suspicious XML content before it reaches the vulnerable parsing components. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual memory access patterns or application crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts. The fix implementation should be validated through thorough regression testing to ensure that the updated library maintains compatibility with existing application functionality while eliminating the buffer over-read condition. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other XML processing libraries and components within their software ecosystems.