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7.8
CVE-2016-9487: EpubCheck 4.0.1 can read files or send requests
CVE-2016-9487 · published 8 years ago
Summary
The EpubCheck 4.0.1 tool that validates EPUB e‑books can be tricked by a specially crafted file to access any file on the computer or make network requests as the user. This could expose confidential data or be used to interact with other services without permission. Upgrade to the latest version of EpubCheck or apply the vendor's recommended mitigation, and avoid opening EPUB files from untrusted sources.
What to do
The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.
Affected software
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions |
|---|---|---|
| w3 | epubcheck |
4.0.1 cpe:2.3:a:w3:epubcheck:4.0.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:* |
Original advisory text
EpubCheck 4.0.1 does not properly restrict resolving external entities when parsing XML in EPUB files during validation. An attacker who supplies a specially crafted EPUB file may be able to exploi...
EpubCheck 4.0.1 does not properly restrict resolving external entities when parsing XML in EPUB files during validation. An attacker who supplies a specially crafted EPUB file may be able to exploit this behavior to read arbitrary files, or have the victim execute arbitrary requests on his behalf, abusing the victim's trust relationship with other entities.
References
- https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/779243 Third Party Advisory US Government Resource
- https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/94864/ Third Party Advisory VDB Entry
Internet-facing
14 days
Internal
At next upgrade
- Not known to be exploited
- Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
- Gives an attacker full control (estimated)
Type
CWE-611XML External Entity (XXE)
Timeline
Published13 Jul 2018
Updated4 Nov 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2016-9487 · NVD
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