CVE-2021-45088 : Security Advisory and Response

A Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in GNOME Web (Epiphany) allows attackers to trigger XSS via error pages.

Understanding CVE-2021-45088

This CVE highlights a security issue present in GNOME Web (Epiphany) versions prior to 40.4 and 41.x before 41.1, potentially leading to XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2021-45088?

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in GNOME Web (aka Epiphany) before specific versions where malicious scripts can be injected via error pages.

The Impact of CVE-2021-45088

Attackers can perform XSS attacks through crafted error pages in affected Epiphany versions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45088

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows the execution of malicious scripts through error pages in GNOME Web (Epiphany) versions pre-40.4 and 41.x pre-41.1.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of GNOME Web (Epiphany) before 40.4 and 41.x before 41.1 are vulnerable.

Exploitation Mechanism

By navigating error pages in impacted versions, attackers can inject and execute scripts, leading to XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2021-45088 with these measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GNOME Web (Epiphany) to version 40.4 or 41.1 to mitigate the XSS vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and promptly apply patches to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Educate users about safe browsing practices to minimize the risk of XSS attacks.
Employ content security policies to restrict script execution and prevent XSS incidents.
Consider using web application firewalls to filter and block malicious script injection attempts.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely updates for GNOME Web (Epiphany) to secure systems against the XSS vulnerability.