CVE-2024-4690 in Application Automation Tools Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2024
Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerability in OpenText Application Automation Tools allows DTD Injection.This issue affects OpenText Application Automation Tools: 24.1.0 and below.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-4690 represents a critical weakness in OpenText Application Automation Tools version 24.1.0 and earlier releases, specifically manifesting as an improper restriction of XML external entity references. This flaw enables attackers to inject malicious Data Definition Templates (DTDs) into the system, fundamentally compromising the application's security posture. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of XML input processing, creating an avenue for exploitation that aligns with common XML parsing security issues documented in industry standards.
This security weakness falls under the CWE-611 category, which specifically addresses improper restriction of XML external entity references, making it a well-documented and dangerous class of vulnerability. The flaw allows for potential denial of service attacks, data exfiltration, and remote code execution depending on the system configuration and attack vector. When an attacker successfully injects a DTD, they can manipulate how the XML parser handles external entities, potentially leading to unauthorized access to internal systems, file disclosure, or even system compromise. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly validate or restrict the use of external entities during XML processing, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to exploit the parsing mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage the XML processing capabilities of the affected application. Attackers can craft malicious XML payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable system, trigger the loading of external resources or execution of commands. This creates potential for lateral movement within networks, privilege escalation, and persistent access to target environments. The vulnerability affects not just individual data points but can compromise the entire application infrastructure, particularly when the tools are used in enterprise environments where XML processing is common for integration and automation tasks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-4690 must address the root cause by implementing strict XML parsing controls and input validation mechanisms. Organizations should immediately upgrade to OpenText Application Automation Tools version 24.1.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing XML parser configurations that disable external entity resolution and DTD processing can provide immediate protection. Security teams should also establish monitoring for unusual XML processing activities and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack spread. The remediation approach should follow established security frameworks such as the OWASP XML External Entity Prevention Cheat Sheet, which recommends disabling external entities, using secure XML parsers, and implementing proper input validation. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all XML processing components within their environment are properly secured against similar threats.