Sign in
Deutsch English Español Polski
High

Apache Tika does not properly initialize the XML parser or choose handlers

  • Disclosed: 17.10.2018
  • Updated: 11.10.2026 11:20

Apache Tika before 1.13 does not properly initialize the XML parser or choose handlers, which might allow remote attackers to conduct XML External Entity (XXE) attacks via vectors involving (1) spreadsheets in OOXML files and (2) XMP metadata in PDF and other file formats, a related issue to CVE-2016-2175.

Affected software

Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.

PlatformPackageVulnerable versionsFixed in
Java / Kotlin (Maven) org.apache.tika:tika-core < 1.13 1.13

References

CVSS score 7.8/10
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Weakness (CWE)
CWE-611
Platform
Java / Kotlin (Maven)
Package
org.apache.tika:tika-core
Disclosed
17.10.2018
Updated
11.10.2026 11:20

Sources and licenses

OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-4xr4-4c65-hj7f - CC BY 4.0

Vulnerability history: org.apache.tika:tika-core

All published vulnerabilities of this package (Java / Kotlin (Maven)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.

All (13) in the archive
Total entries
13
First → latest
10.2018 12.2025
Without a fix
0
Exploited in attacks
0

Severity breakdown

  • Critical 2
  • High 6
  • Medium 5

Disclosures per year

Severity:
  1. Apache Tika has XXE vulnerability
    Critical CVE-2025-66516 >= 1.13, < 3.2.2 3.2.2
  2. Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling in Apache Tika
    High · 8.8 CVE-2019-10088 >= 1.7, < 1.22 1.22
  3. Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling in Apache Tika
    High · 7.8 CVE-2019-10094 >= 1.7, < 1.22 1.22
  4. High severity vulnerability that affects org.apache.tika:tika-core
    High · 7.5 CVE-2018-11761 >= 0.1, < 1.19.1 1.19.1
  5. Apache Tika allows Java code execution for serialized objects embedded in MATLAB files
    Critical · 9.8 CVE-2016-6809 < 1.14 1.14
  6. Apache Tika does not properly initialize the XML parser or choose handlers this entry
    High · 7.8 CVE-2016-4434 < 1.13 1.13
  7. Command injection in org.apache.tika:tika-core
    High · 8.1 CVE-2018-1335 >= 1.7, < 1.18 1.18
  8. Apache Tika is vulnerable to entity expansions which can lead to a denial of service attack
    High · 7.5 CVE-2018-11796 >= 0.1, < 1.19.1 1.19.1

Know which vulnerabilities affect your application

With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.

Connect your application
DockRay newsletter

Application security in your inbox

Important vulnerabilities, actionable guidance and practical advice for your applications. Choose your technologies and follow what matters to your project.

  • A daily digest of new vulnerabilities, critical ones included.
  • Notifications about important updates.
  • Practical advice on application security and monitoring.

Leave empty to receive updates for every technology.

Privacy policy

Free to subscribe. Unsubscribe with one click in any email.