CVE-2018-11758 : Security Advisory and Response

Apache Cayenne XXE Vulnerability in CayenneModeler GUI tool

Understanding CVE-2018-11758

What is CVE-2018-11758?

Apache Cayenne versions 4.1.M1, 3.2.M1, 4.0.M2 to 4.0.M5, 4.0.B1, 4.0.B2, 4.0.RC1, 3.1, 3.1.1, and 3.1.2 are affected by a vulnerability in the CayenneModeler GUI tool. This tool is used to edit Cayenne ORM models stored in XML format. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by tricking a user into opening a malicious XML file, allowing the attacker to transfer files from the user's machine to a remote machine.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11758

This vulnerability can lead to information disclosure and unauthorized file transfers from a user's local machine to a remote machine controlled by an attacker.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11758

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the XML parser in CayenneModeler processing XML External Entity (XXE) declarations included in XML files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Apache Cayenne 4.1.M1
Apache Cayenne 3.2.M1, 4.0.M2 to 4.0.M5, 4.0.B1, 4.0.B2, 4.0.RC1
Apache Cayenne 3.1, 3.1.1, 3.1.2

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the XML parser to transfer files from a user's local machine to a remote machine.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid opening XML files from untrusted sources in CayenneModeler.
Update Cayenne to the latest version that addresses the XXE vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate users on safe handling of files and email attachments.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential breaches.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Cayenne is regularly updated to the latest version that includes security patches.