CVE-2016-5851 Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference in python-docx
Attackers can exploit XML External Entity vulnerabilities in python-docx to read sensitive files or cause denial of service via crafted documents.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2016-5851?
CVE-2016-5851 is a high-severity vulnerability in n/a, published on 21 Dec 2016. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
python-docx before 0.8.6 allows context-dependent attackers to conduct XML External Entity (XXE) attacks via a crafted document.
Weakness: CWE-611
Which versions are affected by CVE-2016-5851?
3 open source packages ship an affected version, including python-docx. It affects 1 product.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
python-docx PyPI | All versions | 0.8.6 |
python-docx PyPI | All versions | 0.8.6 |
python-docx PyPI | All versions | 0.8.6 |
Products include Python-Openxml Project Python-Docx.
How do I fix CVE-2016-5851?
Upgrade python-docx to 0.8.6 or later.
Is CVE-2016-5851 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2016-5851 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-34wj-p5jm-2p96, PYSEC-2016-21.