Remember XXE
Full name: XML External Entity
Memory aid: XML eXternal Entities can pull unwanted resources.
Disable or constrain dangerous entity resolution according to parser and application requirements.
Study area: Threats & application security · Batch 8
Relevant study for: CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 · ISC2 CISSP 2024 outline · CompTIA CySA+ · CompTIA PenTest+
Practice with exam flashcards →Cybersecurity & Identity / Knowledge library
XXE — XML External Entity
Describes an attack involving unsafe processing of external XML entities.
Why learn XXE — XML External Entity?
Describes an attack involving unsafe processing of external XML entities.
Where it came from
Disable or constrain dangerous entity resolution according to parser and application requirements.
- Memory aid (a learning cue, not the expansion): XML eXternal Entities can pull unwanted resources.
Build your understanding
Work through these exercises in order. Try the task before opening a reference.
- Without looking, expand XXE: XML External Entity.
- Recall this memory aid: XML eXternal Entities can pull unwanted resources.
- Explain the practical use: Describes an attack involving unsafe processing of external XML entities.
- Explain this distinction: Disable or constrain dangerous entity resolution according to parser and application requirements.
- Identify XXE in a device specification, architecture diagram, or system inventory.
Documentation and sources
- OWASP application security cheat sheets (cheatsheetseries.owasp.org)