Lucee RCE: XML XXE in REST Endpoint (fixed 5.4.3.2+, 5.3.12.1, 5.3.9.173)
CVE-2023-38693 Published on March 5, 2025
RCE in Lucee REST endpoint
Lucee Server (or simply Lucee) is a dynamic, Java based, tag and scripting language used for rapid web application development. The Lucee REST endpoint is vulnerable to RCE via an XML XXE attack. This vulnerability is fixed in Lucee 5.4.3.2, 5.3.12.1, 5.3.7.59, 5.3.8.236, and 5.3.9.173.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2023-38693 can be exploited with network access, and does not require authorization privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to be critical as this vulnerability has a high impact to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of this component.
Weakness Type
What is a XXE Vulnerability?
The software processes an XML document that can contain XML entities with URIs that resolve to documents outside of the intended sphere of control, causing the product to embed incorrect documents into its output.
CVE-2023-38693 has been classified to as a XXE vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2023-38693
Want to know whenever a new CVE is published for Lucee Server? stack.watch will email you.
Affected Versions
Lucee:- Version >= 5.4.0.0, < 5.4.3.2 is affected.
- Version >= 5.3.12.0, < 5.3.12.1 is affected.
- Version < 5.3.7.59 is affected.
- Version >= 5.3.8.0, < 5.3.8.236 is affected.
- Version >= 5.3.9.0, < 5.3.9.173 is affected.
Vulnerable Packages
The following package name and versions may be associated with CVE-2023-38693
| Package Manager | Vulnerable Package | Versions | Fixed In |
|---|---|---|---|
| maven | org.lucee:lucee | >= 5.3.10.79-RC, < 5.3.12.1 | 5.3.12.1 |
| maven | org.lucee:lucee | >= 5.4.0.65-RC, < 5.4.3.2 | 5.4.3.2 |
| maven | org.lucee:lucee | <= 5.3.7.59 | |
| maven | org.lucee:lucee | >= 5.3.8.132-RC, < 5.3.8.236 | 5.3.8.236 |
| maven | org.lucee:lucee | >= 5.3.9.113, < 5.3.9.173 | 5.3.9.173 |
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.