CVE-2024-55887 in Ucum-java
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2024
Ucum-java is a FHIR Java library providing UCUM Services. In versions prior to 1.0.9, XML parsing performed by the UcumEssenceService is vulnerable to XML external entity injections. A processed XML file with a malicious DTD tag could produce XML containing data from the host system. This impacts use cases where ucum is being used to within a host where external clients can submit XML. Release 1.0.9 of Ucum-java fixes this vulnerability. As a workaround, ensure that the source xml for instantiating UcumEssenceService is trusted.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-55887 affects the ucum-java library, a FHIR Java component that provides Universal Code for Units of Measure services. This library serves as a critical dependency for healthcare applications that require standardized unit measurements, making it an essential component in medical device integration and health information systems. The flaw exists within the UcumEssenceService class which handles XML parsing operations, creating a potential attack surface where malicious XML inputs could be exploited by adversaries seeking unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and insecure XML parsing practices within the library. Specifically, the UcumEssenceService processes XML files without properly sanitizing or restricting external entity references, allowing attackers to craft malicious XML documents containing specially crafted DTD (Document Type Definition) declarations. When these malformed XML files are processed by the vulnerable service, the XML parser resolves external entities and can potentially expose sensitive data from the underlying host system, including file contents, system information, or other confidential resources. This represents a classic XML external entity injection vulnerability categorized under CWE-611, which falls within the broader category of insecure deserialization and XML processing flaws.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly within healthcare and medical device environments where ucum-java is commonly deployed. Attackers could exploit this weakness to extract sensitive information from systems hosting the vulnerable library, potentially compromising patient data, medical device configurations, or internal system details. The vulnerability particularly affects scenarios where the library processes XML input from untrusted external sources, creating a high-risk environment for healthcare organizations that rely on FHIR standards for interoperability. This threat is exacerbated by the fact that many medical applications integrate ucum-java for unit conversion services, making the attack vector more prevalent in healthcare IT infrastructure.
The security implications of CVE-2024-55887 align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1213 technique for Data from Information Repositories, where adversaries seek to extract sensitive information from system resources. Organizations utilizing ucum-java should implement immediate mitigations by upgrading to version 1.0.9 which includes proper XML parser configuration to disable external entity resolution. The recommended workaround of ensuring XML source trustworthiness provides temporary protection but requires comprehensive input validation controls. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation, monitoring for suspicious XML processing activities, and conducting vulnerability assessments of dependent systems. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in healthcare software libraries, particularly those handling medical data processing and unit conversion services that form the foundation of interoperable health information systems.