Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference in Apache Batik
In Apache Batik before 1.9, files lying on the filesystem of the server which uses batik can be revealed to arbitrary users who send maliciously formed SVG files. The file types that can be shown depend on the user context in which the exploitable application is running. If the user is root a full compromise of the server - including confidential or sensitive files - would be possible. XXE can also be used to attack the availability of the server via denial of service as the references within a xml document can trivially trigger an amplification attack.
Affected software
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| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java / Kotlin (Maven) | org.apache.xmlgraphics:batik | < 1.9 | 1.9 |
References
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-5662
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:2546
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:2547
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:0319
- https://www.debian.org/security/2018/dsa-4215
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpuoct2020.html
- https://xmlgraphics.apache.org/security.html
- http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuapr2018-3678067.html
- http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujul2018-4258247.html
- http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuoct2017-3236626.html
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/97948
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038334
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-611- Platform
- Java / Kotlin (Maven)
- Package
org.apache.xmlgraphics:batik- Disclosed
- 13.05.2022
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 11:20
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-qwgx-59jw-qfg9 - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: org.apache.xmlgraphics:batik
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.
- Total entries
- 9
- First → latest
- 02.2022 10.2022
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 1
- High 5
- Medium 3
Disclosures per year
- 2022: 9
- 2023: 0
- 2024: 0
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 0
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