CVE-2022-41966: XStream serializes Java objects to XML and back again. Versions prior to 1.4.20 may allow a remote attacker to terminate the application with a stack ...

Description

XStream serializes Java objects to XML and back again. Versions prior to 1.4.20 may allow a remote attacker to terminate the application with a stack overflow error, resulting in a denial of service only via manipulation the processed input stream. The attack uses the hash code implementation for collections and maps to force recursive hash calculation causing a stack overflow. This issue is patched in version 1.4.20 which handles the stack overflow and raises an InputManipulationException instead. A potential workaround for users who only use HashMap or HashSet and whose XML refers these only as default map or set, is to change the default implementation of java.util.Map and java.util per the code example in the referenced advisory. However, this implies that your application does not care about the implementation of the map and all elements are comparable.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS Probability

8.69%

94.5th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Xstream	Xstream	< 1.4.20

References

https://github.com/x-stream/xstream/security/advisories/GHSA-j563-grx4-pjpvMitigation, Third Party Advisory
https://x-stream.github.io/CVE-2022-41966.htmlExploit, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/x-stream/xstream/security/advisories/GHSA-j563-grx4-pjpvMitigation, Third Party Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20230216-0005/Third Party Advisory
https://x-stream.github.io/CVE-2022-41966.htmlExploit, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Dec 28, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2022-41966?

XStream serializes Java objects to XML and back again. Versions prior to 1.4.20 may allow a remote attacker to terminate the application with a stack overflow error, resulting in a denial of service only via manipulation the processed input stream. The attack uses the hash code implementation for collections and maps to force recursive hash calculation causing a stack overflow. This issue is patched in version 1.4.20 which handles the stack overflow and raises an InputManipulationException instead. A potential workaround for users who only use HashMap or HashSet and whose XML refers these only as default map or set, is to change the default implementation of java.util.Map and java.util per the code example in the referenced advisory. However, this implies that your application does not care about the implementation of the map and all elements are comparable.

How severe is CVE-2022-41966?

CVE-2022-41966 has a CVSS score of 7.5/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 8.69% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2022-41966?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

How Strix Helps

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