CVE-2021-43721:XSS vulnerability in Leanote 2.7.0 desktop application leads to remote code execution via markdown notes.

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Description Preview

Leanote 2.7.0 desktop application contains a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the markdown note feature. An attacker can embed malicious HTML and JavaScript code within a markdown note that gets executed when viewed. This vulnerability can be exploited to achieve remote code execution by leveraging Node.js integration in the Electron-based application, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary system commands.

Overview

The vulnerability exists in Leanote 2.7.0's markdown processing functionality. When a user views a markdown note containing specially crafted HTML tags with JavaScript event handlers, the application renders and executes the embedded code with the privileges of the application. Since Leanote is built on Electron, which has access to Node.js APIs, this XSS vulnerability can be escalated to execute arbitrary system commands. For example, an attacker can use the payload "<video src=x onerror=(function(){require('child_process').exec('calc');})();>" to launch the calculator application on Windows systems, demonstrating the ability to execute system commands.

Remediation

Users should:

  1. Update to a newer version of Leanote if a patched version is available
  2. If no update is available, exercise caution when opening markdown notes from untrusted sources
  3. Consider implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) if customizing the application
  4. Disable Node.js integration in the webview contexts if possible

Developers should:

  1. Implement proper input sanitization for markdown content
  2. Use a secure markdown parser that doesn't allow raw HTML execution
  3. Disable Node.js integration in renderer processes or use contextIsolation in Electron
  4. Implement a Content Security Policy that restricts script execution

References

  1. GitHub Issue: https://github.com/leanote/desktop-app/issues/364
  2. CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
  3. Electron Security Documentation: https://www.electronjs.org/docs/latest/tutorial/security

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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