CVE-2024-8602 in Library taxstatement.jar
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2024
When the XML is read from the codes in the PDF and parsed using a DocumentBuilder, the default settings of the DocumentBuilder allow for an XXE (XML External Entity) attack. Further information on this can be found on the website of the Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP). An attacker could theoretically leverage this by delivering a manipulated PDF file to the target, and depending on the environment, various actions can be executed. These actions include:
* Reading files from the operating system * Crashing the thread handling the parsing or causing it to enter an infinite loop * Executing HTTP requests * Loading additional DTDs or XML files * Under certain conditions, executing OS commands
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2024
CVE-2024-8602 represents a critical server-side vulnerability that exploits XML External Entity processing within PDF document handling systems. This vulnerability stems from the insecure default configuration of DocumentBuilder implementations when processing XML content embedded within PDF files. The flaw exists in the XML parsing logic where the DocumentBuilder accepts external entity declarations without proper validation, creating an attack surface that aligns with CWE-611, which specifically addresses Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference. The vulnerability manifests when PDF documents containing malicious XML code are processed, allowing attackers to leverage XXE attacks through the standard XML parsing mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the document parsing phase where XML data from PDF files is processed using DocumentBuilder without adequate security restrictions. This configuration permits the inclusion of external entities that can reference remote resources or local files through various protocols including file://, http://, and https:// schemes. The attack vector typically involves crafting a malicious PDF file that contains embedded XML with external entity declarations pointing to attacker-controlled resources. This approach follows the established ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for XML external entity processing, which is categorized under Command and Control phases of the attack lifecycle.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-8602 extends beyond simple data exfiltration to include system compromise and service disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read arbitrary files from the target system's file system, potentially accessing sensitive configuration files, credentials, or application data. The vulnerability also enables denial of service conditions through resource exhaustion attacks that can cause infinite loops or excessive memory consumption during XML parsing. Additionally, the attack can facilitate network-based command execution by enabling HTTP requests to external servers, which can be used to establish command and control channels. Under specific environmental conditions, particularly when the processing environment has elevated privileges, attackers may be able to execute operating system commands directly through the XML processing chain.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-8602 require immediate configuration changes to restrict XML external entity processing capabilities within DocumentBuilder implementations. Organizations should disable external entity resolution by setting appropriate DocumentBuilder features such as setFeature("http://apache.org/xml/features/disallow-doctype-decl", true) and setFeature("http://apache.org/xml/features/nonvalidating/load-external-dtd", false). These configurations align with OWASP XML External Entity Prevention Cheat Sheet recommendations and should be implemented across all systems processing PDF documents containing embedded XML content. Network segmentation and content filtering mechanisms should also be deployed to prevent the delivery of malicious PDF files through email attachments or web downloads. Regular security updates and patch management programs should be enforced to ensure that DocumentBuilder implementations are using secure default configurations that prevent XXE attacks. System monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns or outbound network requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-611 and its exploitation patterns align with industry best practices for preventing XML external entity vulnerabilities as outlined in the Open Web Application Security Project guidelines.