libxml2 up to 2.10.2 XML Entity Definition double free

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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7.4$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability described as critical has been identified in libxml2 up to 2.10.2. Affected is an unknown function of the component XML Entity Definition Handler. Such manipulation leads to double free. This vulnerability is listed as CVE-2022-40304. The attack may be performed from remote. There is no available exploit. Upgrading the affected component is recommended.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in libxml2 up to 2.10.2 (Document Processing Software) and classified as critical. Affected by this issue is an unknown code block of the component XML Entity Definition Handler. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a double free vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-415. The product calls free() twice on the same memory address, potentially leading to modification of unexpected memory locations. Impacted is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

An issue was discovered in libxml2 before 2.10.3. Certain invalid XML entity definitions can corrupt a hash table key, potentially leading to subsequent logic errors. In one case, a double-free can be provoked.

The weakness was presented 11/23/2022 as 1b41ec4e9433b05bb0376be4725804c54ef1d80b. The advisory is shared for download at gitlab.gnome.org. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2022-40304 since 09/09/2022. There are neither technical details nor an exploit publicly available.

The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 211168 (Fedora 37 : libxml2 / xmlsec1 (2022-a6812b0224)), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

Upgrading to version 2.10.3 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch 1b41ec4e9433b05bb0376be4725804c54ef1d80b is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at gitlab.gnome.org. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at Tenable (211168) and EUVD (EUVD-2022-43601). Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

Name

Version

License

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 7.5
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 7.4

VulDB Base Score: 7.3
VulDB Temp Score: 7.0
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

NVD Base Score: 7.8
NVD Vector: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Double free
CWE: CWE-415 / CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔍
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Nessus ID: 211168
Nessus Name: Fedora 37 : libxml2 / xmlsec1 (2022-a6812b0224)

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔍

Upgrade: libxml2 2.10.3
Patch: 1b41ec4e9433b05bb0376be4725804c54ef1d80b

Timelineinfo

09/09/2022 🔍
11/23/2022 +75 days 🔍
11/23/2022 +0 days 🔍
07/25/2026 +1340 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Advisory: 1b41ec4e9433b05bb0376be4725804c54ef1d80b
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2022-40304 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2022-40304
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-214268
EUVD: 🔍

Entryinfo

Created: 11/23/2022 20:37
Updated: 07/25/2026 02:16
Changes: 11/23/2022 20:37 (42), 12/22/2022 14:47 (11), 11/17/2024 03:28 (17), 04/28/2025 23:30 (1), 07/25/2026 02:16 (1)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

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