CVE-2023-3823

HIGHCVSS 7.5/10EPSS 1.21%

Last modified

CVE-2023-3823 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.5/10 on the CVSS scale. In PHP versions 8.0.* before 8.0.30, 8.1.* before 8.1.22, and 8.2.* before 8.2.8 various XML functions rely on libxml global state to track configuration variables, like whether external entities are loaded. This state is assumed to be unchanged unless the user explicitly changes it by calling appropriate function. EPSS estimates a 1.21% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

In PHP versions 8.0.* before 8.0.30, 8.1.* before 8.1.22, and 8.2.* before 8.2.8 various XML functions rely on libxml global state to track configuration variables, like whether external entities are loaded. This state is assumed to be unchanged unless the user explicitly changes it by calling appropriate function. However, since the state is process-global, other modules - such as ImageMagick - may also use this library within the same process, and change that global state for their internal purposes, and leave it in a state where external entities loading is enabled. This can lead to the situation where external XML is parsed with external entities loaded, which can lead to disclosure of any local files accessible to PHP. This vulnerable state may persist in the same process across many requests, until the process is shut down.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1
7.5/10

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

EPSS Probability
1.21%

64.6th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

VendorProductVersions
PhpPhp>= 8.0.0, < 8.0.30
PhpPhp>= 8.1.0, < 8.1.22
PhpPhp>= 8.2.0, < 8.2.9
FedoraprojectFedora38
DebianDebian Linux10.0

References

Timeline

Published
Last Modified
Status
Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-3823?
In PHP versions 8.0.* before 8.0.30, 8.1.* before 8.1.22, and 8.2.* before 8.2.8 various XML functions rely on libxml global state to track configuration variables, like whether external entities are loaded. This state is assumed to be unchanged unless the user explicitly changes it by calling appropriate function. However, since the state is process-global, other modules - such as ImageMagick - may also use this library within the same process, and change that global state for their internal purposes, and leave it in a state where external entities loading is enabled. This can lead to the situation where external XML is parsed with external entities loaded, which can lead to disclosure of any local files accessible to PHP. This vulnerable state may persist in the same process across many requests, until the process is shut down.
How severe is CVE-2023-3823?
CVE-2023-3823 has a CVSS score of 7.5/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.21% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2023-3823?
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.

Are you affected by CVE-2023-3823?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST