CVE-2020-17408: NEC ExpressCluster ApplyConfig XML External Entity Processing Information Disclosure Vulnerability

Published Sep 10, 2020

Updated

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of NEC ExpressCluster 4.1. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the clpwebmc executable. Due to the improper restriction of XML External Entity (XXE) references, a specially-crafted document specifying a URI causes the XML parser to access the URI and embed the contents back into the XML document for further processing. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to disclose information in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-10801.

Other sources

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of NEC ExpressCluster. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the clpwebmc executable. Due to the improper restriction of XML External Entity (XXE) references, a specially-crafted document specifying a URI causes the XML parser to access the URI and embed the contents back into the XML document for further processing. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to disclose information in the context of SYSTEM.

Affected Software

3 affected components

NEC Expresscluster X Windows=4.1

NEC Expresscluster X Windows=4.2

NEC ExpressCluster

Remediation

Patch Available

https://www.support.nec.co.jp/en/View.aspx?id=9510100319

Event History

Sep 10, 2020

CVE Published

via MITRE·04:35 PM

Data Sourced

via MITRE·04:35 PM

DescriptionSeverityWeakness

Feb 23, 2025

Advisory Published

via ZDI·03:50 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-17408?

CVE-2020-17408 is a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of NEC ExpressCluster 4.1.

How severe is CVE-2020-17408?

CVE-2020-17408 has a severity score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating a high level of severity.

Which software versions are affected by CVE-2020-17408?

CVE-2020-17408 affects NEC ExpressCluster 4.1 and 4.2 on Windows operating systems.

Is authentication required to exploit CVE-2020-17408?

No, authentication is not required to exploit CVE-2020-17408.

How can I fix CVE-2020-17408 vulnerability?

To fix CVE-2020-17408, update NEC ExpressCluster to a non-vulnerable version provided by the vendor.