CVE-2024-56171
CVE-2024-56171 is a use-after-free vulnerability found in libxml2. This flaw allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code through a crafted XML document or schema. Specifically, the vulnerability exists within the xmlSchemaIDCFillNodeTables and xmlSchemaBubbleIDCNodeTables functions within xmlschemas.c. Successful exploitation requires a specially crafted XML document validated against an XML schema with specific identity constraints. Although the CVSS score is 7.8 (High), the SOCRadar Vulnerability Risk Score (SVRS) is 36, indicating a moderate risk level despite the "In The Wild" tag. The risk is still significant because successful exploitation could lead to denial of service or arbitrary code execution, compromising the integrity and availability of systems using the vulnerable libxml2 library. Therefore, patching to versions 2.12.10 or 2.13.6 is recommended to mitigate this cybersecurity threat.
Description
CVE-2024-56171 describes a use-after-free vulnerability in libxml2 versions before 2.12.10 and 2.13.x before 2.13.6. This vulnerability exists within the xmlSchemaIDCFillNodeTables and xmlSchemaBubbleIDCNodeTables functions in xmlschemas.c. Successful exploitation requires the processing of a specially crafted XML document validated against an XML schema with specific identity constraints, or the processing of a malicious XML schema. While the CVSS score is 7.8, indicating high severity, the SOCRadar Vulnerability Risk Score (SVRS) is 36. However, it's important to note that this vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild.
Key Insights
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Use-After-Free: The core issue is a use-after-free, a type of memory corruption vulnerability. This means that memory is freed, and then a pointer to that memory is dereferenced. This can lead to crashes, arbitrary code execution, or information disclosure.
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Exploitation Trigger: Exploitation hinges on carefully crafted XML documents and schemas that trigger the vulnerability within the schema validation process. Specifically, XML documents must be validated against an XML schema with certain identity constraints, or a crafted XML schema must be used.
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Library Prevalence: libxml2 is a widely used library for parsing XML documents, meaning this vulnerability could impact a broad range of applications and systems that rely on it.
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In the Wild Exploitation: The tag "In The Wild" indicates that the vulnerability is actively exploited by hackers, increasing the urgency of addressing the vulnerability.
Mitigation Strategies
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Immediate Update: Upgrade libxml2 to version 2.12.10 or 2.13.6 or later as soon as possible. This is the most effective way to eliminate the vulnerability.
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Input Validation and Sanitization: Implement rigorous input validation and sanitization for XML documents and schemas. Restrict the use of external schemas if possible.
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Runtime Monitoring: Deploy runtime monitoring and intrusion detection systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Look for suspicious XML parsing activity.
Additional Information
If users have additional queries regarding this incident, they can use the 'Ask to Analyst' feature, contact SOCRadar directly, or open a support ticket for more information if necessary.
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CWE Details
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