Executive brief
Apache CXF, a framework used to build and develop web services, contains a vulnerability in how it processes XML data. An attacker could exploit this to read sensitive files from the server or perform unauthorized network requests. Organizations using affected versions should update to the latest patched releases to prevent potential data exposure.
Technical details
An XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability exists in Apache CXF's cxf-core module. The EndpointReferenceUtils and W3CMultiSchemaFactory classes instantiate a SAXParserFactory without disabling external entity resolution (JAXP hardening). A remote, unauthenticated attacker can exploit this by sending specially crafted XML messages to a CXF-based endpoint, leading to out-of-band (OOB) external entity resolution. This can result in the disclosure of local files or server-side request forgery (SSRF). The issue is resolved in Apache CXF versions 4.2.2 and 4.1.7.
Affected products
- Apache CXF (cxf-core) 4.2.0 to 4.2.1, all versions before 4.1.7
Timeline
- 2026-06-11: disclosed: Initial disclosure on oss-security mailing list
- 2026-06-12: advisory: NVD publication date
- 2026-06-12: patched: Fixes available in versions 4.2.2 and 4.1.7