CVE-2021-23463 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the H2 Database, specifically versions 1.4.198 and earlier. This vulnerability allows for XML External Entity (XXE) Injection via the org.h2.jdbc.JdbcSQLXML class object when it processes parsed string data from the org.h2.jdbc.JdbcResultSet.getSQLXML() method. If the getSource() method is executed with the parameter DOMSource.class, it will trigger the vulnerability, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The CVSS score of 9.1, classified as critical, indicates the severity of this vulnerability. Organizations using affected versions of the H2 Database should recognize that the risk includes exposure of confidential information and disruptions in availability. Given the nature of the issue, immediate remediation is necessary to prevent exploitation.
Current information indicates that there are no known exploits for this vulnerability. However, the potential for exploitation remains high due to its nature and the absence of public proof-of-concept code. Organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability in their patch management cycle.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-23463.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows for XXE injection, which can lead to the disclosure of confidential data, denial of service, or other attacks. The affected package is com.h2database:h2, specifically versions 1.4.198 and earlier, with a CWE classification of CWE-611 (Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference).
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies within the handling of XML data in the H2 Database. The attack vector is network-based, with low attack complexity, meaning that the vulnerability can be exploited easily without advanced skills. The privileges required are low, allowing any user with access to the database to execute malicious queries. No user interaction is required, which increases the risk of exploitation.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2021-23463 includes the potential for sensitive data exposure and service disruption. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious XML content, leading to data leaks or application crashes. Given the critical nature of the CVSS score, organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize remediation efforts based on their risk profile.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of H2 Database from 1.4.198 to 2.0.202. Organizations using these versions should take immediate action to upgrade to a fixed version to mitigate potential risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately by upgrading to the latest version of H2 Database. If immediate upgrading is not feasible, implementing network controls to restrict access to vulnerable versions can help mitigate risk. It is also recommended to conduct a thorough security assessment to identify any potential vulnerabilities in the environment.
Detection Guidance
Security teams should monitor logs for any unusual activities related to XML processing and validate that only expected XML data is being processed. It is also advisable to establish behavioral baselines to detect anomalies indicative of exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-23463 exemplifies the ongoing risks associated with XML External Entity vulnerabilities. This incident highlights the importance of secure XML handling practices and the need for regular updates to mitigate vulnerabilities. Security teams should emphasize training on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
For further reading on vulnerability management and security best practices, consider reviewing our resources on vulnerability management programs and penetration testing methodologies.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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