CVE-2026-2252 is an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability classified under CWE-611 and CWE-918, affecting Xerox FreeFlow Core versions up to and including 8.0.7. The vulnerability arises from improper restriction of XML external entity references, allowing an attacker to submit maliciously crafted XML data containing external entity definitions. When processed by the vulnerable FreeFlow Core XML parser, these entities can trigger Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) attacks, enabling the attacker to make unauthorized requests from the server to internal or external systems. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, such as internal files or network resources, compromising confidentiality without affecting integrity or availability. The vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction and can be exploited remotely over the network, increasing its risk profile. Xerox has addressed this issue in FreeFlow Core version 8.1.0, recommending users upgrade to this version to remediate the vulnerability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the ease of exploitation and impact warrant urgent attention. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.5 reflects a high severity rating, emphasizing the need for timely mitigation.

The primary impact of CVE-2026-2252 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive internal information through SSRF attacks facilitated by XXE exploitation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access internal network resources that are otherwise inaccessible externally, potentially exposing confidential documents, configuration files, or internal services. This can lead to further attacks such as reconnaissance, lateral movement, or data exfiltration. Since Xerox FreeFlow Core is used for document workflow automation in various industries, including government, healthcare, and enterprise environments, the exposure of sensitive documents or internal infrastructure details can have significant operational and reputational consequences. The vulnerability does not directly affect system integrity or availability but poses a substantial confidentiality risk. Organizations worldwide using affected versions are at risk, especially those with sensitive or regulated data. The lack of required authentication and user interaction increases the likelihood of exploitation, making this a critical concern for network perimeter defenses.

Organizations should immediately upgrade Xerox FreeFlow Core to version 8.1.0 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Until the upgrade can be performed, administrators should consider implementing network-level restrictions to limit the FreeFlow Core server's ability to make outbound requests to untrusted or internal network destinations, effectively reducing SSRF attack surface. Additionally, input validation and XML parser configuration should be reviewed to disable external entity processing if possible. Monitoring network traffic for unusual outbound requests originating from the FreeFlow Core server can help detect exploitation attempts. Employing web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting XXE and SSRF patterns may provide temporary protection. Regularly auditing and updating all software components and dependencies related to XML processing is recommended to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Finally, organizations should conduct security awareness and incident response planning to quickly identify and respond to potential exploitation.