Description
Apache CXF reads a top-level WSDL through its hardened StaxUtils path, which disables XML DTDs and external entities. However, any <wsdl:import> or <xsd:import> referenced from that top-level WSDL is handed off to WSDL4J, which does not disable DOCTYPE declarations or external entities. As a result, the protections applied to the top-level document do not extend to imported documents, leaving imported WSDL/XSD content vulnerable to XML External Entity (XXE) attacks. Users are recommended to upgrade to versions 4.2.3 or 4.1.8 or 3.6.12, which fix this issue.
Affected products
apache: cxf
References2
- lists.apache.org/thread/5qs207krzg51jl3zs3cvnl5lt9njp8c3 Mailing ListVendor Advisory
- www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/08/06/17
Metrics
- CVSS 3.1
-
7.5
HIGH
Score source: CNA
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N - EPSS — exploit probability
- 1% percentile: 52 · as of 12 November 2026
- CWE
- CWE-611
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