#VU93359 XML External Entity injection in Apache POI - CVE-2016-5000

Vulnerability identifier: #VU93359

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 1.7 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:A/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2016-5000

CWE-ID: CWE-611

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Apache POI
Server applications / Other server solutions

Vendor: Apache Foundation

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to gain access to sensitive information.

The vulnerability exists due to insufficient validation of user-supplied XML input. A local user can trick the victim into opening a specially crafted XML code and view contents of arbitrary files on the system or initiate requests to external systems.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may allow an attacker to view contents of arbitrary file on the server or perform network scanning of internal and external infrastructure.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Apache POI: before 3.14

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External links
https://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/538981/100/0/threaded
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/92100
https://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037741
https://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21996759
https://lists.apache.org/list.html?user@poi.apache.org
https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpuoct2020.html

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.