CVE-2022-44730 in Batik
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2023
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability in Apache Software Foundation Apache XML Graphics Batik.This issue affects Apache XML Graphics Batik: 1.16.
A malicious SVG can probe user profile / data and send it directly as parameter to a URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2025
The CVE-2022-44730 vulnerability represents a critical server-side request forgery flaw within the Apache XML Graphics Batik library version 1.16. This vulnerability resides in the processing of Scalable Vector Graphics files and allows attackers to manipulate the library's behavior when handling maliciously crafted SVG content. The flaw enables unauthorized access to internal resources by exploiting the library's ability to make HTTP requests to arbitrary URLs during SVG rendering operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Batik processes SVG files containing crafted elements that trigger outbound network requests. Specifically, when the library encounters certain SVG attributes or elements, it can be coerced into making HTTP requests to URLs specified within the SVG content. This behavior creates a pathway for attackers to probe internal systems and exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability manifests through the library's handling of external resources referenced in SVG files, particularly when these references are constructed using user-supplied data without proper validation or sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exfiltration to encompass potential system compromise and information disclosure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access internal network resources that would normally be protected by firewalls or network segmentation. The vulnerability enables reconnaissance activities where attackers can probe internal services, access configuration files, or retrieve sensitive user profile information. This poses significant risk to organizations that process untrusted SVG content, particularly in web applications where users can upload or submit SVG files for rendering.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-44730 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Batik versions to the latest available release. Organizations must implement strict input validation and sanitization for all SVG content, particularly when processing user-submitted files. Network-level protections including firewall rules to restrict outbound HTTP requests from Batik processing environments can provide additional defense-in-depth. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-918, which addresses server-side request forgery flaws in web applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious outbound network connections during SVG processing operations to detect potential exploitation attempts.