CVE-2026-58400: GeoNetwork vulnerable to Remote Code Execution via unsafe Saxon XSLT processor configuration in formatter
GeoNetwork is a catalog application to manage spatially referenced resources. Prior to versions 4.4.12 and 4.2.17, the Saxon XSLT processor used to render formatters is configured without secure processing (FEATURESECUREPROCESSING) and without disabling Java extension functions (ALLOWEXTERNALFUNCTIONS). Any stylesheet loaded by GeoNetwork can therefore invoke java.lang.Runtime.exec() or java.lang.ProcessBuilder directly, achieving arbitrary command execution as the GeoNetwork process user. A user with sufficient privileges to upload a formatter can deliver a .xsl file containing Java extension call that execute arbitrary OS commands with the privileges of the GeoNetwork process. The issue is patched in GeoNetwork versions 4.4.12 and 4.2.17.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
GeoNetworkto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 4.4.12 - Upgrade
Upgrade
GeoNetworkto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 4.2.17
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Which GeoNetwork versions are affected and which versions contain the fix?
GeoNetwork versions earlier than 4.4.12 and 4.2.17 are affected. The issue is patched in 4.4.12 and 4.2.17.
What access does an attacker need to exploit this issue?
An attacker needs sufficient privileges to upload a formatter. They can then supply an XSL stylesheet containing Java extension calls.
What is the impact if exploitation succeeds?
The attacker can execute arbitrary operating-system commands as the user running the GeoNetwork process. This can affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability.