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CVE Record

CVE-2018-1311: The Apache Xerces-C 3.0.0 to 3.2.3 XML parser contains a use-after-free error triggered during the scanning...

The Apache Xerces-C 3.0.0 to 3.2.3 XML parser contains a use-after-free error triggered during the scanning of external DTDs. This flaw has not been addressed in the maintained version of the library and has no current mitigation other than to disable DTD processing. This can be accomplished via the DOM using a standard parser feature, or via SAX using the XERCES_DISABLE_DTD environment variable.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2018-1311 affects Apache Xerces-C, an XML parsing library. If an application processes attacker-controlled XML with external DTD handling enabled, the parser can hit a use-after-free memory error. Business urgency depends on whether Xerces-C is embedded in internet-facing or data-ingestion workflows that accept untrusted XML.

Executive priority

Prioritize assessment for systems that parse untrusted XML. Treat this as a configuration and dependency exposure issue: lower urgency for internal-only trusted XML, higher urgency for public upload, integration, document, or message-processing services.

Technical view

The flaw is a use-after-free during scanning of external DTDs in Apache Xerces-C. The bundle identifies affected versions as 3.0.0 to 3.2.2, while the title says through 3.2.3. The named mitigation is disabling DTD processing; OS vendors also published security advisories or package updates.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely in C or C++ applications, vendor products, or OS packages that link Xerces-C and parse XML from users, partners, APIs, files, queues, or document-processing pipelines with DTD support enabled.

Exploitation context

The provided sources do not show CISA KEV listing or confirmed active exploitation. Practical risk requires a reachable XML parsing path and external DTD processing. The sources do not provide exploit maturity, reliable impact details, or a universal upstream patch statement.

Researcher notes

The key uncertainty is version scope: the bundle lists affected versions differently across fields. Avoid assuming exploitability beyond the documented external-DTD use-after-free. Validate parser configuration and package provenance before declaring systems affected or remediated.

Mitigation direction

  • Inventory Xerces-C usage in applications, appliances, and OS packages.
  • Disable DTD processing where XML DTDs are not required.
  • Apply relevant Red Hat, Debian, Oracle, or distribution updates when applicable.
  • Check Apache and vendor guidance for maintained-version status.
  • Restrict untrusted XML ingestion paths until exposure is confirmed.

Validation and detection

  • Identify deployed Xerces-C versions and linked applications.
  • Confirm whether XML parsers allow external DTD processing.
  • Review internet-facing and partner-facing XML ingestion workflows.
  • Check vendor package advisories for installed platform versions.
  • Verify configuration changes disable DTD handling in runtime tests.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
10

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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CVE-2018-1311 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
15Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
Apache Software FoundationApache Xerces-C3.0.0 to 3.2.2Listed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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