XML External Entity Vulnerability in GeoNetwork by GeoNetwork
CVE-2022-50899

8.7HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Geonetwork

Status
Geonetwork
Vendor
CVE Published:
13 January 2026

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC

What is CVE-2022-50899?

GeoNetwork versions 3.10 through 4.2.0 are susceptible to an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability within their PDF rendering mechanism. This flaw allows attackers to leverage a misconfigured XML parser by crafting malicious XML documents that include external entity references. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can gain unauthorized access to sensitive files on the server, initiated through specially crafted PDF creation requests that manipulate the baseURL parameter.

Affected Version(s)

GeoNetwork 3.10 <= 4.2.0

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.

CVE-2022-50899 - Proof of Concept

References

https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50982
exploit
https://geonetwork-opensource.org/
product
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/geonetwork-xml-exter...
third-party-advisory

CVSS V4

Score:
8.7
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
None
Availability:
None
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Attack Required:
None
Privileges Required:
Undefined
User Interaction:
None

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

Amel BOUZIANE-LEBLOND
.