Description Preview
Quokka CMS version 0.4.0 contains an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in the atom.py utility component. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting the XML parser's ability to access external entities. The issue is specifically located in the quokka/utils/atom.py component, which fails to properly validate or sanitize XML input, enabling attackers to inject malicious XML entities that can lead to information disclosure, server-side request forgery, denial of service, or potentially remote code execution.
Overview
The vulnerability (CWE-611: XML External Entity Reference) in Quokka CMS v0.4.0 occurs when the application processes XML input from untrusted sources without properly disabling external entity references. The affected component, quokka/utils/atom.py, parses XML data without the necessary security controls. When exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to:
- Read arbitrary files on the system
- Perform server-side request forgery (SSRF)
- Cause denial of service conditions
- Execute arbitrary code in some scenarios This is a serious vulnerability as it can lead to complete system compromise if successfully exploited.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, system administrators and developers should:
- Update Quokka CMS to a version newer than v0.4.0 that contains the security patch.
- If updating is not immediately possible, implement the following mitigations:
- Disable XML external entity processing in the XML parser configuration
- Implement proper input validation for all XML data
- Consider using XML parsers that don't support DTDs by default
- Review the patch referenced in the GitHub issue to understand the specific fix
- Monitor systems for suspicious XML-related activities that might indicate exploitation attempts
- Apply the principle of least privilege to the application's runtime environment
References
- GitHub Issue and Patch: https://github.com/rochacbruno/quokka/issues/676
- CWE-611: XML External Entity Reference - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/611.html
- OWASP XXE Prevention Cheat Sheet - https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/XML_External_Entity_Prevention_Cheat_Sheet.html
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
