Bio-Formats has an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability
Bio-Formats versions up to and including 8.3.0 contain an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in the Leica Microsystems metadata parsing component (e.g., XLEF). The parser uses an insecurely configured DocumentBuilderFactory when processing Leica XML-based metadata files, allowing external entity expansion and external DTD loading. A crafted metadata file can trigger outbound network requests (SSRF), access local system resources where readable, or cause a denial of service during XML parsing.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java / Kotlin (Maven) | ome:pom-bio-formats | <= 8.3.0 | no fix |
References
- https://github.com/ome/bioformats/security/advisories/GHSA-x9vc-qh97-8gjp
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-22186
- https://docs.openmicroscopy.org/bio-formats
- https://github.com/ome/bioformats
- https://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2026/Jan/6
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/bio-formats-xxe-in-leica-xlef-metadata-parser
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-611- Platform
- Java / Kotlin (Maven)
- Package
ome:pom-bio-formats- Disclosed
- 07.01.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 12:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-fcqj-76g3-q7qm - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: ome:pom-bio-formats
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
- 2
- First → latest
- 01.2026 01.2026
- Without a fix
- 2
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Medium 2
Disclosures per year
- 2026: 2
-
Bio-Formats has an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability this entry
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