CVE-2022-48565
Published: 22 August 2023
Summary
CVE-2022-48565 is a critical-severity Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference (CWE-611) vulnerability in Python Python. Its CVSS base score is 9.8 (Critical).
Operationally, ranked in the top 8.2% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
Deeper analysis
An XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2022-48565 and assigned CWE-611, was identified in Python versions through 3.9.1. The issue resides in the plistlib module, which previously processed entity declarations within XML plist files and thereby exposed applications to standard XML parsing attacks.
Remote attackers with no authentication or user interaction required can supply a crafted XML plist file to trigger the flaw. Successful exploitation can result in high-impact effects on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, consistent with the CVSS 9.8 rating.
Debian and Fedora security advisories reference upstream fixes that disable entity declarations in plistlib; affected distributions are advised to apply the corresponding package updates. The associated EPSS score has remained flat at 0.0727 with no material increase since disclosure.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2022-51261
Vulnerability details
An XML External Entity (XXE) issue was discovered in Python through 3.9.1. The plistlib module no longer accepts entity declarations in XML plist files to avoid XML vulnerabilities.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.