CVE-2022-48565

An XML External Entity (XXE) issue was discovered in Python through 3.9.1

published August 22, 2023

CVSS
—
EPSS
5%
Percentile
92.3
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 An XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability lurks in Python's plistlib module! This issue arises when entity declarations sneak into XML plist files, and it could lead to dangerous exploits. 🔥 Think of it like a delivery service that blindly accepts any package without checking its contents. If the courier isn't careful, harmful items could slip through, causing chaos. 📦 If exploited, an attacker could potentially gain access to sensitive files on the server, much like a nosy neighbor rifling through your mail. While this specific vulnerability isn’t known to be actively exploited, the risk remains that someone could misuse it if they get the chance.⚠️

Put simply

Think of it like a delivery service that blindly accepts any package without checking its contents. If the courier isn't careful, harmful items could slip through, causing chaos. 📦 This XXE issue allows attackers to manipulate XML input, leading to unauthorized access to internal files. The plistlib module's restriction on entity declarations aims to mitigate this risk, ensuring safer handling of XML data.

What to do

If exploited, an attacker could potentially gain access to sensitive files on the server, much like a nosy neighbor rifling through your mail. While this specific vulnerability isn’t known to be actively exploited, the risk remains that someone could misuse it if they get the chance.⚠️ To protect your application, ensure you’re using Python version 3.9.1 or later, where this vulnerability is addressed. Regularly review and sanitize any XML inputs to avoid similar issues. 🛡️ You’ve got this! By following these steps, you can secure your applications and keep them safe from lurking vulnerabilities! 💪✨

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.05065 · 92.3th percentile
Published
2023-08-22T00:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 22 AUG 00:00Z
    An XML External Entity (XXE) issue was discovered in Python through 3.9.1
    cvelistv5