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

Weakness Name

Improper 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

Scope:

Access Control

Impact:

Bypass Protection Mechanism

Notes:

Controlling application flow (e.g. bypassing authentication).

Scope:

Confidentiality

Impact:

Read Application Data

Notes:

The attacker could read restricted XML content.

Related Weaknesses

• CWE-91XML Injection (aka Blind XPath Injection)
• CWE-943Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic

Related Alerts

• XPath InjectionHigh