CVE-2026-65432
Received Received - Intake

XXE Vulnerability in Apache CXF via WSDL Import

Publication date: 2026-08-06

Last updated on: 2026-08-06

Assigner: Apache Software Foundation

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.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-06
Last Modified
2026-08-06
Generated
2026-08-06
AI Q&A
2026-08-06
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-65432
EUVD
EUVD-2026-53856

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 3 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
apache cxf to 4.2.3 (inc)
apache cxf to 4.1.8 (inc)
apache cxf to 3.6.12 (inc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-611 The product processes an XML document that can contain XML entities with URIs that resolve to documents outside of the intended sphere of control, causing the product to embed incorrect documents into its output.

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves Apache CXF improperly handling XML External Entity (XXE) attacks in imported WSDL or XSD files. While the top-level WSDL is protected by disabling XML DTDs and external entities, imported files processed by WSDL4J are not protected, allowing XXE attacks.

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, inspect WSDL and XSD files for DOCTYPE declarations or external entity references. Use tools like grep to search for patterns such as <!DOCTYPE or SYSTEM in imported files. Check Apache CXF versions for exposure.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could allow attackers to read sensitive files, execute arbitrary code, or perform denial-of-service attacks by exploiting XXE in imported WSDL/XSD files.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized data exposure, violating GDPR's data protection requirements or HIPAA's safeguards for protected health information.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade Apache CXF to versions 4.2.3, 4.1.8, or 3.6.12. Review and sanitize WSDL/XSD files for XXE risks. Disable DTDs and external entities in XML parsers if not already configured.

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