CVE-2020-10991 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Mulesoft APIkit through 1.3.0 allows XXE due to validation/RestXmlSchemaValidator.java.

Understanding CVE-2020-10991

Mulesoft APIkit through version 1.3.0 is vulnerable to XXE attacks.

What is CVE-2020-10991?

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Mulesoft APIkit that enables XML External Entity (XXE) attacks through the RestXmlSchemaValidator.java validation mechanism.

The Impact of CVE-2020-10991

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to exploit the XML parsing functionality, potentially leading to sensitive data exposure, server-side request forgery (SSRF), or denial of service (DoS) attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-10991

Mulesoft APIkit through version 1.3.0 is susceptible to XXE attacks.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from inadequate validation in RestXmlSchemaValidator.java, enabling attackers to inject malicious XML content.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Mulesoft APIkit
Versions affected: up to 1.3.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can craft malicious XML payloads to exploit the XXE vulnerability, potentially compromising the application's security.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate action is crucial to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2020-10991.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Mulesoft APIkit to a patched version that addresses the XXE vulnerability.
Implement strict input validation to prevent malicious XML input.
Monitor and analyze XML parsing activities for suspicious patterns.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software components to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of security patches and updates to Mulesoft APIkit to prevent exploitation of the XXE vulnerability.