CVE-2025-66516 Scanner

Apache Tika is a content analysis toolkit used in many software systems for detecting and extracting metadata and text from various file formats. It is primarily used by developers and organizations that need to analyze and process large collections of digital content, often in enterprise content management and digital asset management systems. By supporting a wide range of file types, Tika helps facilitate search and indexing operations across varied datasets. It is a key component in the data parsing workflows of businesses dealing with content from documents, images, and other media. Its integration into data processing pipelines ensures efficient handling and conversion of diverse information formats. Widely adopted across industries, Apache Tika streamlines the intricacies of content classification and data conversion.

The XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in Apache Tika allows attackers to exploit the application's functionality to read local files or initiate denial of service attacks. This vulnerability arises from the improper handling of XML inputs, particularly when processing crafted XFA files within PDFs. This scenario leads to XXE attacks, which can be remotely initiated by providing malicious PDF inputs. The impact includes unauthorized access to sensitive internal files or the possibility of disrupting service through resource exhaustion. This vulnerability highlights the risks associated with improper XML processing in popular content management tools such as Apache Tika. Organizations using affected versions should be aware of the consequences and ensure timely remediation to protect their systems.

XXE vulnerabilities in Apache Tika occur due to the processing of crafted XFA files inside PDFs, which improperly handle external XML entities. The vulnerable endpoints are typically related to services that process PDF inputs, where malicious files can be introduced. This flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate how XML data is parsed and executed, enabling actions like file read or resource exhaustion if external entities reference such actions. Specific parameters in request headers, particularly those related to content types and XML declarations, play a role in successfully carrying out the attack. During an exploit, the attacker can craft PDF payloads that, when processed, result in undesired XML handling, underlining the need for secure parsing practices. These technical specifics mean that seemingly benign operations can inadvertently trigger vulnerabilities, leveraging input handling faults at the XML level.

Exploiting the XXE vulnerability in Apache Tika can lead to significant potential threats. Attackers could gain unauthorized access to internal files, leading to information disclosure of sensitive data. The misuse of processed XML entities can lead to denial of service by exhausting system resources, impacting the availability of services reliant on Tika. This could affect workflows, halt processing operations, or expose internal systems to further potential exploitation. The vulnerability also allows for a breach of confidentiality, whereby sensitive information like credentials can be disclosed if included or accessible in local files. These effects highlight the critical need for robust security measures in systems processing XML content. By exploiting XXE, attackers leverage improper configurations or software inadequacies, posing persistent risks to enterprises.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/chasingimpact/CVE-2025-66516-Writeup-POC
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-66516