Apache SIS up to 1.5 XML File xml external entity reference

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in Apache SIS up to 1.5. The affected element is an unknown function of the component XML File Handler. Performing a manipulation results in xml external entity reference. This vulnerability was named CVE-2025-68280. The attack may be initiated remotely. There is no available exploit. It is advisable to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Apache SIS up to 1.5. This affects an unknown functionality of the component XML File Handler. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a xml external entity reference vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as 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. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerability in Apache SIS. It is possible to write XML files in such a way that, when parsed by Apache SIS, an XML file reveals to the attacker the content of a local file on the server running Apache SIS. This vulnerability impacts the following SIS services: * Reading of GeoTIFF files having the GEO_METADATA tag defined by the Defense Geospatial Information Working Group (DGIWG). * Parsing of ISO 19115 metadata in XML format. * Parsing of Coordinate Reference Systems defined in the GML format. * Parsing of files in GPS Exchange Format (GPX). This issue affects Apache SIS from versions 0.4 through 1.5 inclusive. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 1.6, which will fix the issue. In the meantime, the security vulnerability can be avoided by launching Java with the javax.xml.accessExternalDTD system property sets to a comma-separated list of authorized protocols. For example: java -Djavax.xml.accessExternalDTD="" ...

The weakness was presented by LEE. It is possible to read the advisory at lists.apache.org. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2025-68280 since 12/16/2025. The exploitability is told to be easy. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The technical details are unknown and an exploit is not publicly available. The pricing for an exploit might be around USD $0-$5k at the moment (estimation calculated on 01/05/2026).

Upgrading to version 1.6 eliminates this vulnerability.

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Productinfo

Vendor

• Apache

Name

• SIS

Version

• 1.0
• 1.1
• 1.2
• 1.3
• 1.4
• 1.5

License

• open-source

Website

• Vendor: https://www.apache.org/

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