CVE-2024-41123: REXML is an XML toolkit for Ruby

This month

MEDIUM 5.3REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2024-41123 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.3) affecting rexml. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

REXML is an XML toolkit for Ruby. The REXML gem before 3.3.2 has some DoS vulnerabilities when it parses an XML that has many specific characters such as whitespace character, `>]` and `]>`. The REXML gem 3.3.3 or later include the patches to fix these vulnerabilities.

Why this priority

Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.3 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.3% (top 30%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-400
Published	2024-08-01
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: ruby-lang

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-08-01 15:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 07:47 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ruby-lang rexml UPGRADE

Affected: < 3.2.7 · >= 3.2.8 and < 3.3.2

Fixed in: 3.2.7, 3.3.2

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.2.8

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy rexml || rpm -q rexml || rexml --version

2. UPGRADE to 3.2.7 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade rexml

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade rexml

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 3.2.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison rexml sudo apt install rexml=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2.8> sudo apt-mark hold rexml

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

dnf --showduplicates list rexml sudo dnf downgrade rexml-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2.8> sudo dnf versionlock add rexml

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.

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-2024-41123?

rexml: upgrade to 3.2.7, 3.3.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2024-41123 being exploited?

CVE-2024-41123 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-2024-41123 affect?

CVE-2024-41123 affects rexml. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.3). REXML is an XML toolkit for Ruby. The REXML gem before 3.3.2 has some DoS vulnerabilities when it parses an XML that has many specific characters such as whitespace character, `>]` and `]>`. The REXML gem 3.3.3 or later include the patches

How urgent is CVE-2024-41123?

Priority 41/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Ruby vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2024-49761 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE DOWNGRADE REXML is an XML toolkit for Ruby
CVE-2024-43398 MEDIUM 5.9 UPGRADE MITIGATE REXML is an XML toolkit for Ruby
CVE-2024-41946 MEDIUM 5.3 UPGRADE REXML is an XML toolkit for Ruby
CVE-2024-39908 MEDIUM 4.3 UPGRADE MITIGATE REXML is an XML toolkit for Ruby
CVE-2024-35176 MEDIUM 5.3 UPGRADE REXML is an XML toolkit for Ruby

References

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