CVE-2023-39517

Public Exploit
Cross site scripting (XSS) when clicking on an untrusted `` link in Joplin

Description

Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application. A Cross site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in affected versions allows clicking on an untrusted image link to execute arbitrary shell commands. The HTML sanitizer (`packages/renderer/htmlUtils.ts::sanitizeHtml`) preserves `<map>` `<area>` links. However, unlike `<a>` links, the `target` and `href` attributes are not removed. Additionally, because the note preview pane isn't sandboxed to prevent top navigation, links with `target` set to `_top` can replace the toplevel electron page. Because any toplevel electron page, with Joplin's setup, has access to `require` and can require node libraries, a malicious replacement toplevel page can import `child_process` and execute arbitrary shell commands. This issue has been fixed in commit 7c52c3e9a81a52ef1b42a951f9deb9d378d59b0f which is included in release version 2.12.8. Users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.

Category

8.2
CVSS
Severity: High
CVSS 3.1 •
EPSS 0.71% Top 30%
Vendor Advisory github.com
Affected: laurent22 joplin
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Link Tags
https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/security/advisories/GHSA-2h88-m32f-qh5m vendor advisory exploit
https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/commit/7c52c3e9a81a52ef1b42a951f9deb9d378d59b0f patch
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Element/iframe#sandbox not applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2023-39517?
CVE-2023-39517 has been scored as a high severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2023-39517?
To fix CVE-2023-39517, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2023-39517 being actively exploited in the wild?
It is possible that CVE-2023-39517 is being exploited or will be exploited in a near future based on public information. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~1% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2023-39517?
CVE-2023-39517 affects laurent22 joplin.
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