Run static analysis (SAST) on the codebase looking for the unsafe pattern in the data flow.
CWE-652 Base Incomplete
Improper Neutralization of Data within XQuery Expressions ('XQuery Injection')
XQuery Injection occurs when an application uses unvalidated user input to build an XQuery expression for querying an XML database. Without proper neutralization, an attacker can manipulate the…
Definition
What is CWE-652?
XQuery Injection occurs when an application uses unvalidated user input to build an XQuery expression for querying an XML database. Without proper neutralization, an attacker can manipulate the query's structure.
This vulnerability allows an attacker to alter the intended logic of database queries. By injecting malicious XQuery code, they can force the database to return unauthorized data, bypass authentication checks, or modify application behavior.
Successful exploitation can lead to data theft, logic manipulation, and complete bypass of security controls. Developers must treat all external input as untrusted and use parameterized queries or safe XQuery builders to prevent direct command injection into the XML data layer.
Real-world impact
Real-world CVEs caused by CWE-652
No public CVE references are linked to this CWE in MITRE's catalog yet.
How attackers exploit it
Step-by-step attacker path
- 1
Identify a code path that handles untrusted input without validation.
- 2
Craft a payload that exercises the unsafe behavior — injection, traversal, overflow, or logic abuse.
- 3
Deliver the payload through a normal request and observe the application's reaction.
- 4
Iterate until the response leaks data, executes attacker code, or escalates privileges.
Vulnerable code example
Vulnerable pseudo
MITRE has not published a code example for this CWE. The pattern below is illustrative — see Resources for canonical references.
// Example pattern — see MITRE for the canonical references.
function handleRequest(input) {
// Untrusted input flows directly into the sensitive sink.
return executeUnsafe(input);
} Secure code example
Secure pseudo
// Validate, sanitize, or use a safe API before reaching the sink.
function handleRequest(input) {
const safe = validateAndEscape(input);
return executeWithGuards(safe);
} What changed: the unsafe sink is replaced (or the input is validated/escaped) so the same payload no longer triggers the weakness.
Prevention checklist
How to prevent CWE-652
- Implementation Use parameterized queries. This will help ensure separation between data plane and control plane.
- Implementation Properly validate user input. Reject data where appropriate, filter where appropriate and escape where appropriate. Make sure input that will be used in XQL queries is safe in that context.
Detection signals
How to detect CWE-652
Run dynamic application security testing against the live endpoint.
Watch runtime logs for unusual exception traces, malformed input, or authorization bypass attempts.
Code review: flag any new code that handles input from this surface without using the validated framework helpers.
Plexicus auto-detects CWE-652 and opens a fix PR in under 60 seconds.
Codex Remedium scans every commit, identifies this exact weakness, and ships a reviewer-ready pull request with the patch. No tickets. No hand-offs.
Frequently asked questions What is CWE-652?
How serious is CWE-652?
What languages or platforms are affected by CWE-652?
How can I prevent CWE-652?
How does Plexicus detect and fix CWE-652?
Where can I learn more about CWE-652?
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-652?
XQuery Injection occurs when an application uses unvalidated user input to build an XQuery expression for querying an XML database. Without proper neutralization, an attacker can manipulate the query's structure.
How serious is CWE-652?
MITRE rates the likelihood of exploit as High — this weakness is actively exploited in the wild and should be prioritized for remediation.
What languages or platforms are affected by CWE-652?
MITRE has not specified affected platforms for this CWE — it can apply across most application stacks.
How can I prevent CWE-652?
Use parameterized queries. This will help ensure separation between data plane and control plane. Properly validate user input. Reject data where appropriate, filter where appropriate and escape where appropriate. Make sure input that will be used in XQL queries is safe in that context.
How does Plexicus detect and fix CWE-652?
Plexicus's SAST engine matches the data-flow signature for CWE-652 on every commit. When a match is found, our Codex Remedium agent opens a fix PR with the corrected code, tests, and a one-line summary for the reviewer.
Where can I learn more about CWE-652?
MITRE publishes the canonical definition at https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/652.html. You can also reference OWASP and NIST documentation for adjacent guidance.
Related weaknesses
Weaknesses related to CWE-652
CWE-943 Parent
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic
This vulnerability occurs when an application builds a query for a data store (like a database) but fails to properly sanitize…
CWE-643 Sibling
Improper Neutralization of Data within XPath Expressions ('XPath Injection')
XPath Injection occurs when an application uses unvalidated user input to build an XPath query for an XML database. Without proper…
CWE-89 Sibling
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
SQL Injection occurs when an application builds a database query using untrusted user input without properly sanitizing it. This allows an…
CWE-90 Sibling
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query ('LDAP Injection')
This vulnerability occurs when an application builds an LDAP query using untrusted user input without properly sanitizing it. An attacker…
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