CVE-2024-23807: The Apache Xerces C++ XML parser on versions 3.0.0 before 3.2.5 contains a use-after-free error triggered duri

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEWATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2024-23807 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting xerces-c\+\+. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The Apache Xerces C++ XML parser on versions 3.0.0 before 3.2.5 contains a use-after-free error triggered during the scanning of external DTDs. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 3.2.5 which fixes the issue, or mitigate the issue by disabling DTD processing. This can be accomplished via the DOM using a standard parser feature, or via SAX using the XERCES_DISABLE_DTD environment variable. This issue has been disclosed before as CVE-2018

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.5% (top 26%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-416
Published	2024-02-29
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Apache Software Foundation · Vendor: apache

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-02-29 01:44 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 07:13 UTCUpdated Record last modified

apache xerces-c\+\+ UPGRADE

Affected: >= 3.0.0 and < 3.2.5

Fixed in: 3.2.5

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy xerces-c++ || rpm -q xerces-c++ || xerces-c++ --version

2. UPGRADE to 3.2.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade xerces-c++

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade xerces-c++

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xerces-c++ sudo apt install xerces-c++=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold xerces-c++

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list xerces-c++ sudo dnf downgrade xerces-c++-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add xerces-c++

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Exact fixes by distribution

Fedora 46 · sbcl · FIXED · 2.6.10-1.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-feab1a81c6 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-feab1a81c6

Fedora ELN · python-archspec · FIXED · 0.2.7-1.eln159 · FEDORA-2026-e2a8272db6 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-e2a8272db6

Ubuntu 24.04 · xerces-c · NOT AFFECTED

Ubuntu 20.04 · xerces-c · FIXED · 3.2.2+debian-1ubuntu0.1

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade xerces-c dpkg --compare-versions "$(dpkg-query -W -f='${Version}' xerces-c)" ge "3.2.2+debian-1ubuntu0.1" && echo PATCHED || echo STILL-VULNERABLE

Ubuntu 22.04 · xerces-c · FIXED · 3.2.3+debian-3ubuntu0.1

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade xerces-c dpkg --compare-versions "$(dpkg-query -W -f='${Version}' xerces-c)" ge "3.2.3+debian-3ubuntu0.1" && echo PATCHED || echo STILL-VULNERABLE

Ubuntu 25.10 · xerces-c · NOT AFFECTED

RHEL 6 · xerces-c · NOT AFFECTED

RHEL 7 · xerces-c · NOT AFFECTED

Amazon Linux 2 · see advisory · FIXED · ALAS2-2024-2476 · source

sudo yum update --advisory=ALAS2-2024-2476

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2024-23807?

xerces-c\+\+: upgrade to 3.2.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2024-23807 being exploited?

CVE-2024-23807 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2024-23807 affect?

CVE-2024-23807 affects xerces-c\+\+. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The Apache Xerces C++ XML parser on versions 3.0.0 before 3.2.5 contains a use-after-free error triggered during the scanning of external DTDs. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 3.2.5 which fixes the issue, or mitigate the issue

How urgent is CVE-2024-23807?

Priority 68/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Related CVEs

CVE-2023-37536 HIGH 8.2 DOWNGRADE UPGRADE An integer overflow in xerces-c++ 3.2.3 in BigFix Platform allows remote attackers to cause out-of-bound acces

References

← Back to latest CVEs