CVE-2025-68280: Apache SIS: XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability
Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerability in Apache SIS.
It is possible to write XML files in such a way that, when parsed by Apache SIS, an XML file reveals to the attacker the content of a local file on the server running Apache SIS. This vulnerability impacts the following SIS services:
Reading of GeoTIFF files having the GEOMETADATA tag defined by the Defense Geospatial Information Working Group (DGIWG).
Parsing of ISO 19115 metadata in XML format.
Parsing of Coordinate Reference Systems defined in the GML format.
Parsing of files in GPS Exchange Format (GPX).
This issue affects Apache SIS from versions 0.4 through 1.5 inclusive. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 1.6, which will fix the issue. In the meantime, the security vulnerability can be avoided by launching Java with the javax.xml.accessExternalDTD system property sets to a comma-separated list of authorized protocols. For example:
java -Djavax.xml.accessExternalDTD="" ...
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
maven/org.apache.sis.core:sis-metadatato a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.6 - Upgrade
Upgrade
Apache SISto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.6 - Configuration
Launch Java with the javax.xml.accessExternalDTD system property set to an empty value to prevent external DTD access.
Java javax.xml.accessExternalDTD
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-68280?
CVE-2025-68280 has been classified as a high-severity vulnerability due to its potential for local file disclosure.
How do I fix CVE-2025-68280?
To fix CVE-2025-68280, upgrade Apache SIS to a version that is newer than 1.5.
What versions of Apache SIS are affected by CVE-2025-68280?
CVE-2025-68280 affects Apache SIS versions from 0.4 to 1.5 inclusive.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2025-68280?
CVE-2025-68280 is classified as an Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerability.
How can CVE-2025-68280 be exploited?
CVE-2025-68280 can be exploited by crafting malicious XML files that reveal the content of local files on the server running Apache SIS.