CVE-2024-51132

An XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in HAPI FHIR before v6.4.0 allows attackers to access sensitive information or execute arbitrary code via supplying…

Critical · published November 5, 2024

CVSS v3.1
9.8
EPSS
2%
Percentile
79.6
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 A sneaky XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability lurks in HAPI FHIR versions before 6.4.0, ready to spill secrets or run rogue code! 🔥 Think of it like a restaurant chef who blindly follows a recipe handed to them without checking for allergens—it could lead to a disastrous dinner! In this case, the XML processor is the unwitting chef, executing anything the malicious XML tells it to without question. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive information or execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data breaches or system takeover. This is not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a direct line to your sensitive data and control over the system!

Put simply

Think of it like a restaurant chef who blindly follows a recipe handed to them without checking for allergens—it could lead to a disastrous dinner! In this case, the XML processor is the unwitting chef, executing anything the malicious XML tells it to without question. This XXE vulnerability allows attackers to supply crafted requests containing malicious XML entities, causing the parser to fetch external resources or execute unintended commands, leading to severe security breaches.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive information or execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data breaches or system takeover. This is not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a direct line to your sensitive data and control over the system! Upgrade HAPI FHIR to version 6.4.0 or later immediately to close this vulnerability. Additionally, review your XML parsing configurations to disable external entity processing to enhance security. Don't forget to perform a thorough audit of your system to check for any other potential vulnerabilities! You've got this! Follow these steps, and you’ll not only patch the hole but also strengthen your defenses. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
9.8 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.01904 · 79.6th percentile
Published
2024-11-05T00:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 05 NOV 00:00Z
    An XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in HAPI FHIR before v6.4.0 allows attackers to access sensitive information or execute arbitrary code via supplying…
    cvelistv5