CWE-643
Improper Neutralization of Data within XPath Expressions ('XPath Injection')
AI Translation Available
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.
Status
incomplete
Abstraction
base
Likelihood
high
Affected Platforms
Extended Description
AI Translation
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).
Technical Details
AI Translation
Common Consequences
access control
confidentiality
Impacts
bypass protection mechanism
read application data
Detection Methods
automated static analysis
Potential Mitigations
Phases:
implementation
Descriptions:
•
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.
•
Use parameterized XPath queries (e.g. using XQuery). This will help ensure separation between data plane and control plane.