CVE-2023-39663 : Security Advisory and Response

Mathjax up to v2.7.9 contains two Regular Expression Denial of Service (ReDoS) vulnerabilities in MathJax.js. The vendor disputes the risk as the regular expressions are not applied to user input.

Understanding CVE-2023-39663

Mathjax up to v2.7.9 was found to have vulnerabilities leading to Regular Expression Denial of Service (ReDoS) in MathJax.js via specific patterns.

What is CVE-2023-39663?

CVE-2023-39663 refers to two ReDoS vulnerabilities in Mathjax up to v2.7.9 within MathJax.js. Despite the vendor's claim that the regular expressions do not pose any risk due to lack of user input application, caution is advised.

The Impact of CVE-2023-39663

The vulnerabilities in Mathjax up to v2.7.9 could potentially lead to denial of service attacks, impacting the availability and performance of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-39663

The technical details of CVE-2023-39663 outline the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerabilities occur in Mathjax up to v2.7.9 due to Regular Expression Denial of Service (ReDoS) issues in MathJax.js, specifically related to the components pattern and markdownPattern.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of Mathjax up to v2.7.9 are affected by CVE-2023-39663. Although the vendor states that the risk is low, it is essential to be cautious and monitor for any potential exploits.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerabilities in Mathjax up to v2.7.9 can be exploited through the components pattern and markdownPattern, potentially leading to denial of service incidents.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-39663, immediate steps should be taken along with implementing long-term security practices and keeping systems up to date with patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to monitor for any security advisories or updates from Mathjax and apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-39663.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, regular security audits, and staying informed about the latest vulnerabilities can help enhance the overall security posture and prevent similar incidents.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for patches and updates released by Mathjax to address the vulnerabilities in Mathjax up to v2.7.9 and ensure timely implementation for enhanced security.