CVE-2024-50848 is an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability identified in WorldServer version 11.8.2, a widely used translation management system. The vulnerability resides in the Import object and Translation Memory import functionalities, which process .tmx files—standard XML-based files used for translation memory exchange. By crafting a malicious .tmx file containing external entity references, an attacker can exploit the XXE flaw to read sensitive files on the server or potentially execute arbitrary commands, depending on the server configuration and XML parser behavior. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of XML input, specifically the failure to disable or securely configure external entity processing. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.5 reflects a medium severity level, with an attack vector of network (remote), low attack complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction (importing the malicious file). The impact primarily affects confidentiality, allowing unauthorized data disclosure, while integrity and availability remain unaffected. No known public exploits or patches are currently available, indicating that organizations must proactively implement mitigations. The CWE-611 classification confirms the root cause as improper restriction of XML external entity references. This vulnerability poses a risk to organizations relying on WorldServer for translation workflows, especially those processing sensitive or regulated content.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-50848 can be significant, particularly for those in sectors handling sensitive information such as legal, financial, healthcare, and governmental translation services. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of confidential documents, intellectual property, or personal data, potentially violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. Although the vulnerability does not affect data integrity or system availability, the confidentiality breach alone can result in reputational damage, regulatory fines, and loss of client trust. Since the attack requires user interaction (importing a malicious .tmx file), social engineering or insider threats could facilitate exploitation. Organizations with automated or bulk import processes may be at higher risk if proper validation is not enforced. The absence of known exploits suggests a window for proactive defense, but also means attackers may develop exploits soon after disclosure. The medium severity rating indicates that while the threat is serious, it is not immediately critical, allowing time for mitigation planning. However, the widespread use of WorldServer in European localization markets increases the potential attack surface.

To mitigate CVE-2024-50848, organizations should take specific actions beyond generic advice: 1) Disable XML external entity processing in the XML parser configurations used by WorldServer if possible, or apply secure parser settings that prevent external entity resolution. 2) Implement strict validation and sanitization of all imported .tmx files, including scanning for malicious XML constructs before processing. 3) Restrict import functionality to trusted users and enforce strict access controls and logging to detect suspicious import activities. 4) Employ network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit the impact of any potential compromise. 5) Monitor system logs and file access patterns for anomalies indicative of XXE exploitation attempts. 6) Engage with the vendor for patches or updates and apply them promptly once available. 7) Educate users on the risks of importing files from untrusted sources to reduce the likelihood of social engineering exploitation. 8) Consider deploying runtime application self-protection (RASP) or web application firewalls (WAF) with rules to detect and block XXE payloads. These targeted measures will help reduce the attack surface and improve detection capabilities.