Apache Tika tika-core (1.13-3.2.1), tika-pdf-module (2.0.0-3.2.1) · Critical XXE
Affects tikaSource GCVE Database
Mentioned vulnerabilities
Not known to be exploited · public detection template (Nuclei) · 89% EPSS · CVSS 8.4 High · fixed in 1.22-1ubuntu0.1~esm2 : patch tika as a priority.
Data as of 5 Nov 2026, 00:01 UTC
- EPSS
- 89.0% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 99% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 1.22-1ubuntu0.1~esm2, 1.22-2+deb11u1build0.22.04.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 4 Dec 2025
Detectable: evidence found.
nuclei template: Apache Tika - XML External Entity Injection
Weaponized: no evidence on record.
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 5 Nov 2026.
What to do
Upgrade the Ubuntu tika to 1.22-1ubuntu0.1~esm2 (package) or 1.22-2+deb11u1build0.22.04.1 (package).
Patches and advisories
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
Ubuntu 26.10tikapkg:deb/ubuntu/tika?arch=source&distro=stonkingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 26.04 LTStikapkg:deb/ubuntu/tika?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 25.10tikapkg:deb/ubuntu/tika?arch=source&distro=questingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTStikapkg:deb/ubuntu/tika?arch=source&distro=nobleOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 22.04 LTStikapkg:deb/ubuntu/tika?arch=source&distro=jammyOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu Pro 20.04 LTStikapkg:deb/ubuntu/tika?arch=source&distro=esm-apps/focalOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
A fix is available and users should update to the patched versions provided by their vendor. For Ubuntu, update to libtika-java version 1.22-1ubuntu0.1~esm2 (20.04 LTS) or 1.22-2+deb11u1build0.22.04.1 (22.04 LTS). Standard system updates will apply these fixes. No additional mitigation is required beyond applying the official patches.
Description
A critical XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability exists in Apache Tika modules tika-core (1.13-3.2.1), tika-pdf-module (2.0.0-3.2.1), and tika-parsers (1.13-1.28.5). The flaw allows attackers to exploit crafted XFA files inside PDFs to perform XXE injection. This vulnerability can lead to sensitive information disclosure or malicious requests to internal or external resources. The issue was fixed in tika-core version 3.2.2 and corresponding patched package versions in Ubuntu distributions.
References
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2025-66516 (opens in a new tab)
- cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2025-66516 (opens in a new tab)
- lists.apache.org/thread/s5x3k93nhbkqzztp1olxotoyjpdlps9k (opens in a new tab)
- cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2025-54988 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8324-1 (opens in a new tab)