CWE-643Improper Neutralization of Data within XPath Expressions ('XPath Injection')

Description

The product uses external input to dynamically construct an XPath expression used to retrieve data from an XML database, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes that input. This allows an attacker to control the structure of the query.

The net effect is that the attacker will have control over the information selected from the XML database and may use that ability to control application flow, modify logic, retrieve unauthorized data, or bypass important checks (e.g. authentication).

Common consequences

• Access Control→Bypass Protection Mechanism
  Controlling application flow (e.g. bypassing authentication).
• Confidentiality→Read Application Data
  The attacker could read restricted XML content.

Potential mitigations

• Implementation
  Use parameterized XPath queries (e.g. using XQuery). This will help ensure separation between data plane and control plane.
• Implementation
  Properly validate user input. Reject data where appropriate, filter where appropriate and escape where appropriate. Make sure input that will be used in XPath queries is safe in that context.

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