[ GLSA 200903-19 ] Xerces-C++: Denial of Service

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: Xerces-C++: Denial of Service (GLSA 200903-19)
Severity: normal
Exploitable: remote
Date: March 09, 2009
Bug(s): #240496
ID: 200903-19

Synopsis


An error in Xerces-C++ allows for a Denial of Service via malicious XML
schema files.


Background


Xerces-C++ is a validating XML parser written in a portable subset of
C++.


Affected Packages

Package: dev-libs/xerces-c
Vulnerable: < 3.0.0-r1
Unaffected: >= 3.0.0-r1
Architectures: All supported architectures


Description


Frank Rast reported that the XML parser in Xerces-C++ does not
correctly handle an XML schema definition with a large maxOccurs value,
which triggers excessive memory consumption during the validation of an
XML file.


Impact


A remote attacker could entice a user or automated system to validate
an XML file using a specially crafted XML schema file, leading to a
Denial of Service (stack consumption and crash).


Workaround


There is no known workaround at this time.


Resolution


All Xerces-C++ users should upgrade to the latest version: