CVE-2026-22186: CWE-611 Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference in Open Microscopy Environment Bio-Formats
Bio-Formats versions up to and including 8.3.0 contain an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in the Leica Microsystems metadata parsing component (e.g., XLEF). The parser uses an insecurely configured DocumentBuilderFactory when processing Leica XML-based metadata files, allowing external entity expansion and external DTD loading. A crafted metadata file can trigger outbound network requests (SSRF), access local system resources where readable, or cause a denial of service during XML parsing.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-22186 identifies an XXE vulnerability in Open Microscopy Environment's Bio-Formats software, specifically in versions up to and including 8.3.0. The Leica Microsystems metadata parsing component uses a DocumentBuilderFactory that is insecurely configured, permitting external entity expansion and external DTD loading. This flaw allows crafted XML metadata files to trigger server-side request forgery (SSRF), access local readable system resources, or cause denial of service conditions during XML parsing.
Potential Impact
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by supplying a malicious Leica XML metadata file to the Bio-Formats parser. This can result in outbound network requests (SSRF), unauthorized reading of local system files accessible to the process, or denial of service due to XML parsing disruptions. The vulnerability does not require privileges and involves user interaction, with low complexity and low impact on confidentiality and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, avoid processing untrusted Leica XML metadata files with vulnerable Bio-Formats versions. Monitor vendor communications for updates on patches or mitigations.
CVE-2026-22186: CWE-611 Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference in Open Microscopy Environment Bio-Formats
Description
Bio-Formats versions up to and including 8.3.0 contain an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in the Leica Microsystems metadata parsing component (e.g., XLEF). The parser uses an insecurely configured DocumentBuilderFactory when processing Leica XML-based metadata files, allowing external entity expansion and external DTD loading. A crafted metadata file can trigger outbound network requests (SSRF), access local system resources where readable, or cause a denial of service during XML parsing.
CVSS v4.0
Score 4.6medium
Affected software
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Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-22186 identifies an XXE vulnerability in Open Microscopy Environment's Bio-Formats software, specifically in versions up to and including 8.3.0. The Leica Microsystems metadata parsing component uses a DocumentBuilderFactory that is insecurely configured, permitting external entity expansion and external DTD loading. This flaw allows crafted XML metadata files to trigger server-side request forgery (SSRF), access local readable system resources, or cause denial of service conditions during XML parsing.
Potential Impact
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by supplying a malicious Leica XML metadata file to the Bio-Formats parser. This can result in outbound network requests (SSRF), unauthorized reading of local system files accessible to the process, or denial of service due to XML parsing disruptions. The vulnerability does not require privileges and involves user interaction, with low complexity and low impact on confidentiality and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, avoid processing untrusted Leica XML metadata files with vulnerable Bio-Formats versions. Monitor vendor communications for updates on patches or mitigations.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- VulnCheck
- Date Reserved
- 2026-01-06T16:47:17.182Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 695ec6692efadb62cf814033
Added to database: 01/07/2026, 20:47:37 UTC
Last enriched: 07/15/2026, 11:00:23 UTC
Last updated: 09/10/2026, 19:36:52 UTC
Views: 215
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