Bio-Formats 8.3.0 XXE in Leica Metadata Parser
CVE-2026-22186 Published on January 7, 2026
Bio-Formats <= 8.3.0 XXE in Leica XLEF Metadata Parser
Bio-Formats versions up to and including 8.3.0 contain an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in the Leica Microsystems metadata parsing component (e.g., XLEF). The parser uses an insecurely configured DocumentBuilderFactory when processing Leica XML-based metadata files, allowing external entity expansion and external DTD loading. A crafted metadata file can trigger outbound network requests (SSRF), access local system resources where readable, or cause a denial of service during XML parsing.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-22186 is exploitable with local system access. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. Public availability of a proof of concept (POC) exploit exists for CVE-2026-22186. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have no impact on confidentiality and integrity and availability.
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-2026-22186 has been classified to as a XXE vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-22186
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Affected Versions
Open Microscopy Environment Bio-Formats:- Before and including 8.3.0 is affected.
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.