DNN DotNetNuke.Core insecure XML processing and weak cryptography

Executive brief

DotNetNuke (DNN) is a content management system used to build and manage websites. This update addresses several security-related code issues that could potentially allow attackers to interfere with how the system processes data or weaken the protection of sensitive information. While the risk is considered low, updating ensures the platform uses modern security standards for data handling and encryption.

Technical details

The DotNetNuke.Core codebase triggered several .NET security code analysis rules (CA3075, CA5366, CA5371, CA5368, CA5369, CA5372, CA5379, CA5350, and CA5351). The majority of these violations relate to insecure XML processing, specifically the failure to disable Document Type Definition (DTD) processing, which can lead to XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerabilities. Additionally, the rules identified the use of broken or weak cryptographic algorithms (such as SHA-1 or MD5). An attacker could potentially exploit these weaknesses to perform unauthorized data disclosure or bypass certain security controls. The issues are resolved in version 10.2.2 by enforcing safer XML defaults and updating cryptographic implementations.

Affected products

• DNN Software DotNetNuke.Core >= 6.0.0, < 10.2.2

Timeline

• 2026-04-13: disclosed: Advisory published by maintainers
• 2026-04-14: advisory: GitHub Advisory reviewed and published

References

• https://api.github.com/users/bdukes
• https://github.com/bdukes
• https://api.github.com/users/bdukes/gists%7B/gist_id%7D
• https://api.github.com/users/bdukes/repos
• https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/59507?v=4
• https://api.github.com/users/bdukes/events%7B/privacy%7D