CVE-2026-22186: Bio-Formats has an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability

January 7, 2026 (updated January 8, 2026)

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.

References

docs.openmicroscopy.org/bio-formats
github.com/advisories/GHSA-fcqj-76g3-q7qm
github.com/ome/bioformats
nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-22186
seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2026/Jan/6
www.vulncheck.com/advisories/bio-formats-xxe-in-leica-xlef-metadata-parser

Code Behaviors & Features

Detect and mitigate CVE-2026-22186 with GitLab Dependency Scanning

Secure your software supply chain by verifying that all open source dependencies used in your projects contain no disclosed vulnerabilities. Learn more about Dependency Scanning →