Vulnerability 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.
CVSS Score
HIGH
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Joplin Project | Joplin | < 2.12.8 |
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Element/iframe#sandboxNot Applicable
- https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/commit/7c52c3e9a81a52ef1b42a951f9deb9d378d59Patch
- https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/security/advisories/GHSA-2h88-m32f-qh5mExploitVendor Advisory
- https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Element/iframe#sandboxNot Applicable
- https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/commit/7c52c3e9a81a52ef1b42a951f9deb9d378d59Patch
- https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/security/advisories/GHSA-2h88-m32f-qh5mExploitVendor Advisory
FAQ
What is CVE-2023-39517?
CVE-2023-39517 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 8.2 (HIGH). 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 c...
How severe is CVE-2023-39517?
CVE-2023-39517 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 8.2/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2023-39517?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Joplin Project Joplin.