CVE-2018-17152 in Cache
Summary
by MITRE
Intersystems Cache 2017.2.2.865.0 allows XXE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2023
Intersystems Cache version 2017.2.2.865.0 contains a vulnerability that permits external XML entity processing which can lead to unauthorized data access and potential system compromise. This vulnerability specifically affects the XML parser component within the database system and represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain access to sensitive information stored within the system.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation within the XML processing functionality of Intersystems Cache. When the system processes XML data containing external entity references, it fails to properly sanitize or restrict these references, allowing attackers to craft malicious XML payloads that can reference external resources. This behavior aligns with CWE-611, which describes improper restriction of XML external entity reference, and falls under the broader category of XML external entity vulnerabilities that have been widely documented in various enterprise systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to perform server-side request forgery attacks, potentially allowing them to access internal network resources that would normally be protected by firewalls. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to read local files on the server, perform port scanning, or even execute arbitrary code depending on the system configuration and available resources. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web applications, API endpoints, or any interface that accepts XML input from untrusted sources.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including disabling external entity processing in XML parsers, implementing strict input validation for all XML data, and restricting network access to the affected system. Organizations should also consider applying the vendor-provided patches or updates as soon as they become available. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and the need for comprehensive security testing of XML processing components. The attack surface for such vulnerabilities is particularly concerning in database systems where they can provide attackers with direct access to sensitive data repositories. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1566 for phishing with malicious attachments, as attackers could exploit this weakness to gain access to sensitive data through crafted XML payloads that appear legitimate to the system.