Apache Xerces-C up to 3.2.2 XML Parser XERCES_DISABLE_DTD use after free

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Apache Xerces-C up to 3.2.2. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the component XML Parser. Performing a manipulation of the argument XERCES_DISABLE_DTD results in use after free. This vulnerability is reported as CVE-2018-1311. The attack is possible to be carried out remotely. No exploit exists.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Apache Xerces-C up to 3.2.2. This affects some unknown processing of the component XML Parser. The manipulation of the argument XERCES_DISABLE_DTD with an unknown input leads to a use after free vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-416. Referencing memory after it has been freed can cause a program to crash, use unexpected values, or execute code. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

The Apache Xerces-C 3.0.0 to 3.2.3 XML parser contains a use-after-free error triggered during the scanning of external DTDs. This flaw has not been addressed in the maintained version of the library and has no current mitigation other than to disable DTD processing. This can be accomplished via the DOM using a standard parser feature, or via SAX using the XERCES_DISABLE_DTD environment variable.

The weakness was disclosed 12/18/2019. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2018-1311. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. No form of authentication is needed for exploitation. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit. The pricing for an exploit might be around USD $5k-$25k at the moment (estimation calculated on 11/04/2025).

The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 214485 (Debian dla-3704 : libxerces-c-dev - security update), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

There is no information about possible countermeasures known. It may be suggested to replace the affected object with an alternative product.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at Tenable (214485). Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Vendor

• Apache

Name

• Xerces-C

Version

• 3.2.0
• 3.2.1
• 3.2.2

License

• open-source

Website

• Vendor: https://www.apache.org/

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Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

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