CVE-2019-12400 : What You Need to Know

Apache Santuario - XML Security for Java versions 2.0.x from 2.0.3 and all 2.1.x releases before 2.1.4 are affected by a vulnerability related to the caching mechanism introduced in version 2.0.3.

Understanding CVE-2019-12400

This CVE affects Apache Santuario - XML Security for Java, impacting the validation of signed documents and similar operations.

What is CVE-2019-12400?

In Apache Santuario - XML Security for Java, a caching mechanism introduced in version 2.0.3 can lead to security vulnerabilities if untrusted code registers a malicious implementation before Apache Santuario, potentially allowing the malicious code to be cached and reused.

The Impact of CVE-2019-12400

The vulnerability can result in security flaws during the validation of signed documents and other related operations, affecting the integrity and security of XML documents.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-12400

Apache Santuario - XML Security for Java is susceptible to the following:

Vulnerability Description

The caching mechanism in version 2.0.3 can allow malicious implementations to be cached and reused, compromising the security of signed documents.

Affected Systems and Versions

All 2.0.x releases from 2.0.3
All 2.1.x releases before 2.1.4

Exploitation Mechanism

If untrusted code registers a malicious implementation with the thread context class loader before Apache Santuario, it could be cached and reused, leading to security vulnerabilities.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-12400, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Apache Santuario - XML Security for Java to version 2.1.4 or later.
Monitor vendor advisories for patches and updates.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security configurations.
Implement secure coding practices to prevent code injection vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Apache and other relevant vendors.