Description Preview
The REXML gem in Ruby, versions prior to 3.3.2, has a vulnerability that can lead to a Denial of Service (DoS) attack. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-39908, is due to uncontrolled resource consumption (CWE-400) when parsing XML files that contain many specific characters such as `<`, `0`, and `%>`. If an application using the REXML gem needs to parse untrusted XML files, it may be impacted by this vulnerability. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 4.3, indicating a medium severity.
Overview
The vulnerability was published on 16th July 2024 and updated on 17th January 2025. The vulnerability affects the REXML gem in Ruby, versions prior to 3.3.2. The attack can be performed over the network with low complexity and requires user interaction. The impact of the attack is low on availability and does not impact confidentiality and integrity.
Remediation
Users are advised to upgrade to REXML gem version 3.3.2 or later, which includes patches to fix these vulnerabilities. If users are unable to upgrade, they should avoid parsing untrusted XML strings.
References
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.
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- InformationInformation
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- ConstructionConstruction
- MiningMining
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
