This vulnerability allows a ReDoS (Regular Expression Denial of Service) attack when parsing certain XML character references in the REXML gem prior to version 3.3.9. As a result, applications utilizing Ruby with affected versions may suffer performance degradation or unresponsiveness under specific conditions.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.6, categorizing it as medium severity. Despite not being classified as high profile, the potential impact on application availability should not be overlooked. Organizations using Ruby 3.1 or earlier are at risk, while Ruby 3.2 and later versions are not affected.
Currently, there are no known exploits for this vulnerability, but organizations should remain vigilant and prioritize remediation efforts. Immediate patching is recommended to prevent any potential exploitation.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
The REXML gem is an XML toolkit for Ruby, and it contains a ReDoS vulnerability in versions prior to 3.3.9. The vulnerability arises when it parses an XML with multiple digits between &# and x...; sequences in a hex numeric character reference (&#x...;). This issue does not manifest in Ruby 3.2 or later versions.
The affected versions of the REXML gem are all prior to 3.3.9, and organizations using Ruby 3.1 must ensure they upgrade to the patched version. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-1333, which pertains to improper handling of regular expressions.
This vulnerability was published on October 28, 2024, and has been modified since its initial disclosure.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the handling of regular expressions in the REXML gem. The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker can exploit the vulnerability remotely by sending crafted XML inputs.
The attack complexity is low, as it requires no special privileges or user interaction. The potential impact on availability is high, as the vulnerability can lead to denial of service conditions.
The confidentiality and integrity impacts are minimal, as the vulnerability does not expose sensitive data or allow unauthorized modifications.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential downtime or degraded service performance due to the ReDoS vulnerability. If exploited, this could lead to significant disruptions in service, particularly for applications heavily reliant on XML processing.
With a CVSS score of 6.6, this vulnerability poses a medium risk. Organizations should assess their exposure to Ruby and REXML usage in their applications, especially those still operating on Ruby 3.1.
Given the potential blast radius, organizations should address this vulnerability in their patch cycle to mitigate risks associated with service availability.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the REXML gem include all versions prior to 3.3.9. Additionally, NetApp's ontap_tools version 10 is also affected. Organizations should ensure they upgrade to REXML version 3.3.9 or later to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches for the REXML gem, specifically updating to version 3.3.9 or later. If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing input validation to restrict the type of XML data processed by applications.
For additional security, organizations may also engage in penetration testing to identify potential weaknesses in their applications.
Monitoring for unusual behavior in applications that utilize the REXML gem can also help detect potential exploitation attempts.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should implement logging to capture any anomalies related to XML parsing operations. Look for patterns that indicate excessive resource consumption or unusual request patterns.
Behavioral indicators such as application crashes or slow performance during XML processing should be closely monitored to detect potential exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The emergence of vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-49761 highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date libraries and frameworks. This pattern underscores a recurring trend in application security where outdated components introduce significant risks.
Security teams must remain vigilant and adopt proactive measures to identify and remediate vulnerabilities promptly. Regular security assessments, including penetration testing methodology, should be part of a comprehensive security strategy.
Additionally, continuous monitoring of dependencies and regular updates can mitigate risks associated with vulnerabilities in third-party libraries.
For organizations using Ruby, it is critical to establish a routine update process for Ruby and its gems to ensure security across all applications.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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