CVE-2026-65432: CWE-611 Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference in Apache Software Foundation Apache CXF
Apache CXF versions prior to 4.2.3, 4.1.8, and 3.6.12 are vulnerable to an XML External Entity (XXE) attack due to improper restriction of XML external entity references in imported WSDL/XSD documents. While the top-level WSDL is processed securely with external entities disabled, imported documents are handled by WSDL4J, which does not disable these features, exposing the system to potential information disclosure. This vulnerability is identified as CWE-611 and has a CVSS score of 7.5, indicating high severity. Users are advised to upgrade to fixed versions 4.2.3, 4.1.8, or 3.6.12 to mitigate the risk.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
Apache CXF reads the top-level WSDL using a hardened StaxUtils path that disables XML DTDs and external entities, preventing XXE attacks on the main document. However, any <wsdl:import> or <xsd:import> elements in the top-level WSDL are processed by WSDL4J, which does not disable DOCTYPE declarations or external entities. This discrepancy allows imported WSDL/XSD documents to be vulnerable to XML External Entity (XXE) attacks, bypassing protections applied to the top-level WSDL. The issue affects Apache CXF versions before 4.2.3, 4.1.8, and 3.6.12. Upgrading to these versions resolves the vulnerability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to perform XML External Entity (XXE) attacks via imported WSDL or XSD documents, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. The CVSS score of 7.5 reflects a high impact on confidentiality with no impact on integrity or availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Users should upgrade Apache CXF to versions 4.2.3, 4.1.8, or 3.6.12, which include fixes for this vulnerability. No other mitigations are specified. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor advisory recommending these versions.
CVE-2026-65432: CWE-611 Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference in Apache Software Foundation Apache CXF
Description
Apache CXF versions prior to 4.2.3, 4.1.8, and 3.6.12 are vulnerable to an XML External Entity (XXE) attack due to improper restriction of XML external entity references in imported WSDL/XSD documents. While the top-level WSDL is processed securely with external entities disabled, imported documents are handled by WSDL4J, which does not disable these features, exposing the system to potential information disclosure. This vulnerability is identified as CWE-611 and has a CVSS score of 7.5, indicating high severity. Users are advised to upgrade to fixed versions 4.2.3, 4.1.8, or 3.6.12 to mitigate the risk.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.5high
Affected software
Apache Software Foundation
Apache CXF
pkg:maven/Apache Software Foundation/org.apache.cxf:cxf-rt-wsdlRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
Apache CXF reads the top-level WSDL using a hardened StaxUtils path that disables XML DTDs and external entities, preventing XXE attacks on the main document. However, any <wsdl:import> or <xsd:import> elements in the top-level WSDL are processed by WSDL4J, which does not disable DOCTYPE declarations or external entities. This discrepancy allows imported WSDL/XSD documents to be vulnerable to XML External Entity (XXE) attacks, bypassing protections applied to the top-level WSDL. The issue affects Apache CXF versions before 4.2.3, 4.1.8, and 3.6.12. Upgrading to these versions resolves the vulnerability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to perform XML External Entity (XXE) attacks via imported WSDL or XSD documents, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. The CVSS score of 7.5 reflects a high impact on confidentiality with no impact on integrity or availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Users should upgrade Apache CXF to versions 4.2.3, 4.1.8, or 3.6.12, which include fixes for this vulnerability. No other mitigations are specified. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor advisory recommending these versions.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- apache
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-22T08:24:54.659Z
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a746c04bf8831d5399ecea4
Added to database: 08/06/2026, 11:12:04 UTC
Last enriched: 08/13/2026, 16:58:40 UTC
Last updated: 09/19/2026, 22:01:36 UTC
Views: 69
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