Microsoft Windows up to Server 2019 XML Core Services MSXML Parser xml external entity reference

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Microsoft Windows. The impacted element is an unknown function of the component XML Core Services MSXML Parser. Such manipulation leads to xml external entity reference. This vulnerability is documented as CVE-2019-1057. The attack can be executed remotely. There is not any exploit available. It is advisable to implement a patch to correct this issue.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in Microsoft Windows (Operating System). Affected by this issue is an unknown function of the component XML Core Services MSXML Parser. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a xml external entity reference vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-611. The product processes an XML document that can contain XML entities with URIs that resolve to documents outside of the intended sphere of control, causing the product to embed incorrect documents into its output. Impacted is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Microsoft XML Core Services MSXML parser processes user input. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run malicious code remotely to take control of the user’s system. To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker could host a specially crafted website designed to invoke MSXML through a web browser. However, an attacker would have no way to force a user to visit such a website. Instead, an attacker would typically have to convince a user to either click a link in an email message or instant message that would then take the user to the website. When Internet Explorer parses the XML content, an attacker could run malicious code remotely to take control of the user’s system. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the MSXML parser processes user input.

The weakness was released 08/13/2019 as confirmed security update guide (Website). The advisory is shared for download at portal.msrc.microsoft.com. The public release was coordinated with the vendor. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2019-1057 since 11/26/2018. The attack may be launched remotely. No form of authentication is required for exploitation. Successful exploitation requires user interaction by the victim. There are neither technical details nor an exploit publicly available. The current price for an exploit might be approx. USD $5k-$25k (estimation calculated on 02/20/2026). The advisory points out:

A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Microsoft XML Core Services MSXML parser processes user input. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run malicious code remotely to take control of the user’s system.

Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem. A possible mitigation has been published immediately after the disclosure of the vulnerability.

Entries connected to this vulnerability are available at VDB-139920, VDB-139919, VDB-139918 and VDB-139917. Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Microsoft

Name

• Windows

Version

• 7 SP1
• 8.1
• 10
• 10 1607
• 10 1703
• 10 1709
• 10 1803
• 10 1809
• 10 1903
• RT 8.1
• Server 1803
• Server 1903
• Server 2008 R2 SP1
• Server 2012
• Server 2012 R2
• Server 2016
• Server 2019

License

• commercial

Website

• Vendor: https://www.microsoft.com/
• Product: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows

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Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

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