CVE-2021-4263:Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Leanote 2.6.1 allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts through the content parameter in the history.js plugin.

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A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability has been identified in Leanote version 2.6.1. The vulnerability exists in the define function within the public/js/plugins/history.js file. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the content argument, which is not properly sanitized before being rendered in the browser. This allows for the injection of arbitrary JavaScript code that executes in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially leading to cookie theft, session hijacking, or other client-side attacks. The vulnerability has been assigned the identifier VDB-216461 and has been patched in commit 0f9733c890077942150696dcc6d2b1482b7a0a19.

Overview

Leanote is an open-source note-taking application. The vulnerability (CVE-2021-4263) is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue categorized as CWE-79. The vulnerable component is the history.js plugin in the public/js/plugins directory, specifically in the define function that fails to properly sanitize user input before rendering it in the browser. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes when users view the affected content. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely and could lead to unauthorized access to user data, session hijacking, or further client-side attacks depending on the context in which the application is used.

Remediation

To remediate this vulnerability, users should update to a version of Leanote that includes the security patch identified by commit 0f9733c890077942150696dcc6d2b1482b7a0a19. If updating is not immediately possible, consider implementing the following temporary mitigations:

  1. Apply input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied content
  2. Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict execution of scripts
  3. Consider using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) configured to detect and block XSS attacks
  4. Monitor application logs for potential exploitation attempts

For developers maintaining forks of Leanote, review the patch in the referenced commit and ensure proper sanitization of user input in the history.js plugin.

References

  1. Patch commit: https://github.com/leanote/leanote/commit/0f9733c890077942150696dcc6d2b1482b7a0a19
  2. VulDB Advisory: https://vuldb.com/?id.216461
  3. VulDB CTI: https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.216461
  4. OWASP XSS Prevention Cheat Sheet: https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/Cross_Site_Scripting_Prevention_Cheat_Sheet.html
  5. CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/79.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction
    Construction
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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