CVE-2020-13973 : Security Advisory and Response

OWASP json-sanitizer before 1.2.1 is vulnerable to XSS attacks. An attacker can manipulate input JSON to confuse the HTML parser, potentially leading to non-script content being interpreted as JavaScript.

Understanding CVE-2020-13973

OWASP json-sanitizer before 1.2.1 allows for a specific XSS attack vector that can be exploited by manipulating input JSON data.

What is CVE-2020-13973?

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in OWASP json-sanitizer before version 1.2.1 that enables cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2020-13973

The vulnerability allows an attacker to control JSON input, potentially leading to the misinterpretation of non-script content as JavaScript, opening the door to XSS attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-13973

OWASP json-sanitizer before 1.2.1 is susceptible to XSS due to a specific manipulation of input JSON data.

Vulnerability Description

An attacker can manipulate JSON input to confuse the HTML parser, causing non-script content to be treated as JavaScript, enabling XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

The attacker controls a substring of the input JSON and another substring adjacent to a SCRIPT element, leading to misinterpretation by the HTML parser.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices are crucial to mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2020-13973.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest version of OWASP json-sanitizer to patch the vulnerability.
Validate and sanitize input data to prevent malicious manipulation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation mechanisms to ensure data integrity.
Regularly monitor and audit JSON processing to detect anomalies.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by OWASP to address the XSS vulnerability in json-sanitizer before 1.2.1.