CVE-2013-6440: Infoleak

Published Dec 16, 2013
·
Updated

IssueDescription:

It was found that the ParserPool and Decrypter classes in the OpenSAML Java implementation resolved external entities, permitting XML External Entity (XXE) attacks. A remote attacker could use this flaw to read files accessible to the user running the application server, and potentially perform other more advanced XXE attacks.

Other sources

The (1) BasicParserPool, (2) StaticBasicParserPool, (3) XML Decrypter, and (4) SAML Decrypter in Shibboleth OpenSAML-Java before 2.6.1 set the expandEntityReferences property to true, which allows remote attackers to conduct XML external entity (XXE) attacks via a crafted XML DOCTYPE declaration.

MITRE

Affected Software

12 affected components
Internet2 OpenSAML=2.0
Internet2 OpenSAML=2.1.0
Internet2 OpenSAML=2.2.0
shibboleth OpenSAML<=2.6.0
shibboleth OpenSAML=2.4.0
shibboleth OpenSAML=2.4.1
shibboleth OpenSAML=2.4.2
shibboleth OpenSAML=2.4.3
shibboleth OpenSAML=2.5.0
shibboleth OpenSAML=2.5.1
shibboleth OpenSAML=2.5.2
shibboleth OpenSAML=2.5.3

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade Shibboleth OpenSAML-Java to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.6.1
  2. Configuration

    In OpenSAML Java ParserPool/Decrypter components (BasicParserPool, StaticBasicParserPool, XML Decrypter, SAML Decrypter), set expandEntityReferences to false to prevent XXE via crafted XML DOCTYPE (these classes set it to true in versions before 2.6.1).

    Shibboleth OpenSAML-Java expandEntityReferences = false

Event History

Dec 16, 2013
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·01:56 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Feb 14, 2014
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:00 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:55 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2013-6440?

CVE-2013-6440 is considered a high severity vulnerability due to its potential to allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files from the affected system.

2

How do I fix CVE-2013-6440?

To fix CVE-2013-6440, upgrade to OpenSAML version 2.5.0 or later, which addresses the XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability.

3

What types of attacks can exploit CVE-2013-6440?

CVE-2013-6440 can be exploited through XML External Entity (XXE) attacks allowing attackers to access sensitive files on the server.

4

Which versions of OpenSAML are affected by CVE-2013-6440?

CVE-2013-6440 affects OpenSAML versions including 2.0, 2.1.0, 2.2.0, and any versions up to 2.6.0.

5

Is CVE-2013-6440 specific to certain configurations of OpenSAML?

No, CVE-2013-6440 affects the core classes of the OpenSAML implementation regardless of configuration.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203