CVE-2023-3276 in HuTool
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in Dromara HuTool up to 5.8.19. Affected by this issue is the function readBySax of the file XmlUtil.java of the component XML Parsing Module. The manipulation leads to xml external entity reference. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-231626 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3276 represents a critical security flaw within the Dromara HuTool library version 5.8.19 and earlier, specifically impacting the XML parsing functionality. This issue resides within the XmlUtil.java file's readBySax function, which processes XML documents using the SAX (Simple API for XML) parsing approach. The vulnerability manifests as an XML external entity (XXE) reference flaw that allows malicious actors to exploit the application's XML parser by injecting external entity references. The classification as problematic indicates that this vulnerability can be readily exploited without requiring specialized skills or conditions, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where XML processing is prevalent.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the XML parsing module. When the readBySax function processes XML documents, it fails to properly restrict external entity references, allowing attackers to include malicious external entities in their XML payloads. This creates a vector for various attack types including sensitive data exfiltration, server-side request forgery, and potentially remote code execution depending on the underlying XML parser implementation. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-611 (Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference) and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 (Data from Information Repositories) as it enables unauthorized access to internal resources through XML parsing mechanisms. The XXE vulnerability allows attackers to access local files, perform port scans, or even execute arbitrary commands on the server if the XML parser supports such functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-3276 extends beyond simple data exposure, potentially compromising entire application infrastructures that rely on HuTool for XML processing operations. Organizations using affected versions of HuTool may experience unauthorized access to internal systems, data breaches, and potential service disruption. The public disclosure of this vulnerability through VDB-231626 means that threat actors have already developed exploit capabilities, increasing the risk of active exploitation. Applications that process user-supplied XML data, import XML configuration files, or integrate with external XML services become particularly vulnerable. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts compounds the risk, as organizations cannot rely on official patches or updates to address the issue promptly. This vulnerability affects the core XML parsing capabilities of HuTool, making it a critical concern for any system that depends on this library for data processing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3276 should prioritize immediate action to prevent exploitation while longer-term solutions are implemented. The most effective immediate measure is upgrading to a patched version of Dromara HuTool beyond 5.8.19 where the XXE vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should also implement strict XML parser configurations that disable external entity resolution entirely, particularly when processing untrusted XML input. Input validation and sanitization should be enforced at multiple layers including application-level filters that remove or escape potentially malicious XML constructs before processing. Network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious XML traffic patterns. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems using affected HuTool versions and establish monitoring procedures for potential exploitation attempts. The implementation of secure coding practices that prevent XXE vulnerabilities in XML processing components aligns with industry standards and helps prevent similar issues in future development cycles.