In Eclipse JGit versions 7.2.0.202503040940-r and older, the ManifestParser class used by the repo command and the AmazonS3 class used to implement the experimental amazons3 git transport protocol allowing to store git pack files in an Amazon S3 bucket, are vulnerable to XML External Entity (XXE) attacks when parsing XML files. This vulnerability allows for information disclosure, denial of service, and other security issues. With a CVSS score of 6.8, this vulnerability is classified as medium severity and can potentially affect a wide range of users relying on these versions.
Risk to organizations includes exposure of sensitive data and disruptions in service. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized actions that compromise the integrity and availability of the affected systems. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The vulnerability is actively being discussed in various security forums, emphasizing the importance of swift remediation.
Given the nature of the vulnerability and the potential impacts, it is crucial for organizations using Eclipse JGit to assess their exposure and take necessary actions. The urgency of addressing this vulnerability should be high due to its potential implications on data security and service availability.
Organizations using JGit should check their versions against the affected ranges and implement the recommended patches provided by the vendor. Continuous monitoring for updates and vulnerability disclosures is vital in maintaining security hygiene.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability in Eclipse JGit is identified as CVE-2025-4949. It affects versions 7.2.0.202503040940-r and older. The vulnerability exists in the ManifestParser class and the AmazonS3 class, which are involved in the handling of XML files and the transport of git pack files to Amazon S3. The vulnerability type is classified under CWE-611 (XML External Entity Injection) and CWE-827 (Improper Validation of Untrusted Input).
Published on May 21, 2025, the vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.8, indicating a medium severity level. This severity rating highlights the need for organizations to take this vulnerability seriously and act accordingly.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the way XML files are parsed by the impacted classes. Specifically, the ManifestParser class is insufficiently validating XML input, which enables XXE attacks. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted XML files that contain malicious payloads designed to manipulate the parser.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, meaning that an attacker would need to send crafted XML files over the network to the vulnerable application. The attack complexity is high due to the need for user interaction, as the malicious XML must be processed by the ManifestParser class.
The privileges required to exploit this vulnerability are low, as it does not require elevated permissions to trigger the attack. Once exploited, the confidentiality impact is high, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information. However, the integrity and availability impacts are none, as the attack primarily focuses on information disclosure.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment of this vulnerability can lead to severe risks for organizations using Eclipse JGit. The potential for information disclosure allows attackers to gain insights into sensitive data that could be exploited for further attacks. Given the high confidentiality impact, organizations must consider the blast radius of this vulnerability, particularly if sensitive data is involved in their operations.
The urgency of addressing this vulnerability is underscored by its CVSS score of 6.8. Organizations should include it in their priority patch cycle to mitigate any potential threats that may arise from exploitation. As security threats evolve, timely remediation can prevent data breaches and service disruptions.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Eclipse JGit include all versions prior to vendor patch, specifically from 7.2.0.202503040940-r to versions ending before 7.2.1, as well as versions 6.0.0 to less than 6.10.1 and 5.13.4. Organizations should check their installations and apply updates as needed.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade to the latest version of Eclipse JGit, specifically to versions 7.2.1 or later. If an immediate upgrade is not possible, organizations can implement XML input validation and disable external entity processing in their applications as temporary workarounds.
Organizations should also consider conducting a thorough security assessment to identify potential weaknesses in their configuration and deployment of JGit. For further assistance, organizations can refer to application security assessments to ensure their systems are fortified against similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual XML-related parsing errors or unexpected network traffic patterns that could indicate an attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. Behavioral anomalies in applications interacting with XML files should also be investigated promptly.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-4949 highlights the enduring challenges associated with XML parsing vulnerabilities, particularly in widely-used libraries like JGit. This incident serves as a reminder for security teams to prioritize secure coding practices and robust input validation mechanisms in their development processes.
Organizations should also consider revisiting their security training programs to ensure developers are aware of common vulnerabilities such as XXE and how to mitigate their risks. Implementing regular code reviews and security audits can also help in identifying potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
For further reading on similar vulnerabilities and effective mitigation strategies, organizations may find the following resources beneficial: vulnerability management programs, penetration testing methodologies, and cloud security assessments to bolster their security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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