CVE-2021-23980 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-23980, a mutation XSS vulnerability in Mozilla Bleach allowing attackers to execute cross-site scripting attacks. Find out the impact, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
A detailed overview of CVE-2021-23980 highlighting the impact, technical details, mitigation steps, and more.
Understanding CVE-2021-23980
CVE-2021-23980 is a mutation XSS vulnerability affecting users calling bleach.clean with specific parameters in Mozilla Bleach version less than 3.3.0.
What is CVE-2021-23980?
The vulnerability allows attackers to execute mutation XSS via allowed math or svg; p or br; and style, title, noscript, script, textarea, noframes, iframe, or xmp tags with certain user-defined parameters.
The Impact of CVE-2021-23980
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to perform cross-site scripting attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and other malicious activities.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-23980
CVE-2021-23980 involves a mutation XSS exploit that can bypass certain sanitization processes in Mozilla Bleach.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises when bleach.clean is called with specific parameters, enabling the execution of mutation XSS attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
Mozilla Bleach versions less than 3.3.0 are affected by this vulnerability, specifically when certain tags and parameters are used.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the allowed tags and parameters passed to bleach.clean, allowing for the execution of mutation XSS attacks.
Mitigation and Prevention
Taking immediate steps to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2021-23980 is crucial to ensuring the security of systems and data.
Immediate Steps to Take
Update Mozilla Bleach to version 3.3.0 or above to patch the vulnerability and prevent exploitation by malicious actors.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly update software and libraries, implement secure coding practices, and conduct security audits to maintain a robust security posture.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by Mozilla to address vulnerabilities and enhance the security of your systems.