CVE-2024-50848 in WorldServer
Summary
by MITRE • 11/18/2024
An XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in the Import object and Translation Memory import functionalities of WorldServer v11.8.2 to access sensitive information and execute arbitrary commands via supplying a crafted .tmx file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-50848 represents a critical XML External Entity flaw within the WorldServer platform version 11.8.2 and potentially earlier releases. This security weakness specifically targets the Import object functionality and Translation Memory import capabilities, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted .tmx files. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and processing of external entities within the XML parsing mechanisms used by the software. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access sensitive system information and potentially execute arbitrary commands on the affected server, making it a severe threat to organizational security infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this XXE vulnerability occurs when the WorldServer application processes translation memory files that contain malicious XML references. When a user imports a specially crafted .tmx file, the system's XML parser attempts to resolve external entities referenced within the document, without proper sanitization or restriction of external resource access. This behavior aligns with CWE-611, which specifically addresses improper restriction of XML external entity references, and represents a classic XXE attack vector. The vulnerability allows for both information disclosure and remote code execution, as the parser can be manipulated to fetch and process external resources that may contain sensitive data or malicious payloads. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate import functionality that administrators and users would expect to work normally.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities that could compromise entire server environments. An attacker with access to the import functionality could potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources, escalate privileges, and establish persistent access to the compromised infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using WorldServer v11.8.2 and potentially older versions, making it a widespread concern for enterprises relying on this translation management platform. The implications are particularly severe for organizations handling sensitive or confidential data, as the attack could lead to data breaches, intellectual property theft, and regulatory compliance violations. Organizations may face significant financial and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited successfully.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-50848 should prioritize immediate patching of affected WorldServer installations to the latest security updates provided by the vendor. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures for all XML processing operations, particularly those involving user-supplied files. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the scope of potential exploitation, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect suspicious import activities. Security teams should disable unnecessary XML external entity processing capabilities and implement proper XML parser configurations that prevent resolution of external references. According to ATT&CK framework techniques, this vulnerability maps to T1566 for initial access through malicious file delivery and potentially T1059 for command execution, making comprehensive defensive measures essential. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their translation memory import processes and establish secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles.