Encoding Validation Issues in Expat Library by Mozilla
CVE-2022-25235

9.8CRITICAL

Key Information:

Vendor
Libexpat Project
Status
Libexpat
Vendor
CVE Published:
16 February 2022

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC🟣 EPSS 11%

Summary

The Expat library, specifically in the xmltok_impl.c file, exposes a vulnerability due to inadequate encoding validation prior to version 2.4.5. This flaw allows for improper handling of UTF-8 characters, potentially leading to security issues during XML processing. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability to insert malicious content into XML data, elevating risks of data corruption or the execution of arbitrary code. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for users to update to the latest version of Expat where these security issues have been addressed.

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

external_expat_AOSP10_r33_CVE-2022-25235
Created by Satheesh575555

References

https://github.com/libexpat/libexpat/pull/562
x_refsource_MISC
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/02/19/1
mailing-listx_refsource_MLIST
https://www.debian.org/security/2022/dsa-5085
vendor-advisoryx_refsource_DEBIAN

EPSS Score

11% chance of being exploited in the next 30 days.

CVSS V3.1

Score:
9.8
Severity:
CRITICAL
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
None
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

.