CVE-2019-12415 : What You Need to Know

Apache POI up to version 4.1.0 is vulnerable to an XXE Processing issue that can lead to unauthorized access to local files or network resources.

Understanding CVE-2019-12415

Apache POI up to version 4.1.0 is susceptible to an Information Disclosure vulnerability due to improper handling of XML External Entities (XXE) in the XSSFExportToXml tool.

What is CVE-2019-12415?

Prior to version 4.1.0 of Apache POI, a specially crafted Microsoft Excel document processed by the XSSFExportToXml tool could allow attackers to access files on the local filesystem or internal network resources through XXE Processing.

The Impact of CVE-2019-12415

The vulnerability could result in unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information stored on the affected system, potentially leading to further exploitation or data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-12415

Apache POI up to version 4.1.0 is affected by the following:

Vulnerability Description

When converting user-provided Excel documents using XSSFExportToXml, a malicious document can trigger XXE Processing, enabling unauthorized access to files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Apache POI
Vendor: N/A
Versions Affected: Apache POI up to 4.1.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious Excel document and tricking a user into processing it with the XSSFExportToXml tool.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-12415, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Apache POI to version 4.1.0 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid processing untrusted Excel documents with the XSSFExportToXml tool.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe handling of file conversions and discourage opening files from untrusted sources.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security alerts and advisories related to Apache POI to apply timely patches and updates.