CVE-2021-39248 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2021-39248, a cross-site scripting vulnerability in Open edX through Lilac.1 allowing XSS via crafted LaTeX content. Find out the impact, affected systems, mitigation steps, and preventive measures.
Open edX through Lilac.1 allows XSS in common/static/common/js/discussion/utils.js via crafted LaTeX content within a discussion.
Understanding CVE-2021-39248
This CVE refers to a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Open edX through Lilac.1, which can be exploited via specially crafted LaTeX content within a discussion.
What is CVE-2021-39248?
CVE-2021-39248 is a security vulnerability in Open edX that allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in a victim's web browser when the victim accesses a page containing the vulnerable JavaScript file.
The Impact of CVE-2021-39248
The impact of this vulnerability is the potential for attackers to perform various malicious activities, including stealing sensitive information, session hijacking, and delivering malware to users accessing the affected content.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-39248
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability exists in the common/static/common/js/discussion/utils.js file of Open edX through Lilac.1, allowing an attacker to inject malicious scripts through specially crafted LaTeX content.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not Applicable
- Vendor: Not Applicable
- Versions Affected: Not Applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting malicious LaTeX content within a discussion, which, when rendered on the browser, executes the injected script.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from CVE-2021-39248 by taking the following steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Disable LaTeX rendering in the discussion feature of Open edX
- Implement content security policies to mitigate XSS attacks
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch Open edX installations to the latest version
- Educate users about the risks of enabling user-generated content with rich features like LaTeX
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely application of security patches and updates released by Open edX to address CVE-2021-39248.