CVE-2024-28757 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting libexpat and several associated products. This vulnerability allows an XML Entity Expansion attack, specifically when there is isolated use of external parsers created via XML_ExternalEntityParserCreate. The CVSS score is 7.5, indicating a significant risk that organizations must be aware of. The potential impact includes a denial of service due to high resource consumption, which can disrupt services.
Organizations utilizing affected products, including versions of Fedora, Active IQ Unified Manager, and various firmware products from NetApp, should prioritize remediation. The urgency is underscored by the known exploit status, confirming that this vulnerability is actively being targeted by attackers. Therefore, organizations should take immediate action to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
The vulnerability was published on March 10, 2024, and has been classified under CWE-776, indicating its nature as an XML Entity Expansion attack. Given the high exploitation potential and the fact that this vulnerability could lead to significant operational disruptions, organizations must assess their systems and apply necessary patches as soon as possible.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Vendors have released updates to address this vulnerability, and timely implementation of these updates is critical to maintaining security.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2024-28757 states that libexpat through version 2.6.1 is vulnerable to an XML Entity Expansion attack when external parsers are used in isolation. This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.5, classified as high severity. The affected products include libexpat, Fedora, Active IQ Unified Manager, ONTAP, and various firmware from NetApp.
The vulnerability was disclosed on March 10, 2024, and the associated CWE classification is CWE-776. Organizations should ensure they are running versions of the affected software that are patched against this vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the way libexpat handles XML parsing, specifically the isolation of external parsers. Attackers can exploit this flaw through a network attack vector, with low complexity, and no user interaction required. This means that any system using vulnerable versions of libexpat can be affected by attackers remotely without any advanced privileges.
The implications of this vulnerability include a potential denial of service as the service may become unresponsive due to resource exhaustion. The confidentiality and integrity impacts are negligible, but the availability impact is high, necessitating immediate attention.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes significant operational disruption due to potential denial of service. The vulnerability has a broad blast radius, affecting multiple products and systems across various environments, including those managed by Fedora and NetApp. Given the high CVSS score and the active exploitation status, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
Organizations should schedule remediation as soon as possible to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability. The availability of a public exploit indicates an urgent need for action.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of libexpat prior to 2.6.2 are affected by CVE-2024-28757. Additionally, Fedora versions 38, 39, and 40 are also vulnerable. Various NetApp products, including Active IQ Unified Manager and multiple firmware versions, are also implicated.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade to libexpat version 2.6.2 or later. For affected Fedora systems, ensure that updates are applied to versions 38, 39, and 40. In the case where patches are not available, organizations should implement additional network controls to mitigate potential exploits.
Organizations should also consider engaging in penetration testing to identify any further weaknesses in their systems.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor for log indicators that suggest abnormal XML parsing activities. Behavioral anomalies in applications using libexpat may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Network signatures that capture anomalous traffic patterns related to XML processing should also be implemented as part of a comprehensive security strategy.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2024-28757 lies in its representation of the potential risks associated with XML processing in software components. This vulnerability underscores the necessity for security teams to adopt proactive measures and enhance their testing protocols to identify similar vulnerabilities in the future.
In terms of strategic defensive takeaways, organizations should routinely assess their software components for vulnerabilities and ensure that all software is kept up to date with the latest security patches. For further insights, consider reading our articles on vulnerability management programs and penetration testing methodologies to reinforce your security posture.
Finally, continuous education and awareness training regarding vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-28757 will empower security teams and improve response strategies in the face of evolving threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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