CVE-2023-46130 : What You Need to Know

Discourse is an open-source platform for community discussion. Prior to version 3.1.3 of the

stable

branch and version 3.2.0.beta3 of the

beta

and

tests-passed

branches, some theme components allow users to add svgs with unlimited

height

attributes, affecting the availability of subsequent replies in a topic. Instances with the svgbob or the mermaid theme component are within scope, but most Discourse instances are unaffected. The issue is patched in the mentioned versions. Users can disable or remove the relevant theme components to mitigate the vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2023-46130

This CVE involves bypassing height value allowed in some theme components in Discourse, potentially impacting the availability of subsequent replies in a topic.

What is CVE-2023-46130?

CVE-2023-46130 allows users in certain Discourse instances to add svgs with unlimited

height

attributes, leading to potential disruptions in subsequent replies within a topic. This vulnerability affects specific versions of Discourse.

The Impact of CVE-2023-46130

The vulnerability could impact the availability of subsequent replies in a topic within the affected instances, potentially disrupting the normal flow of discussions and interactions on Discourse platforms.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-46130

The vulnerability is classified with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 4.3, indicating a medium severity level. The attack complexity is low, requiring low privileges with network access, and it can result in low availability impact.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the allowance of svgs with unlimited

height

attributes in certain theme components, affecting subsequent replies in a topic on Discourse instances.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Discourse
Product: Discourse
Affected Versions:
Version < 3.1.3: Affected
Version >= 3.2.0.beta0, < 3.2.0.beta3: Affected

Exploitation Mechanism

Users can exploit the vulnerability by adding svgs with unlimited

height

attributes in theme components, impacting the availability of replies in a topic.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-46130, users are advised to take immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Discourse instances to version 3.1.3 of the

stable

branch or version 3.2.0.beta3 of the

beta

and

tests-passed

branches.
Disable or remove the svgbob or mermaid theme components in affected instances.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Discourse to the latest versions to ensure vulnerability patches are applied promptly.
Perform security audits to identify and mitigate other potential vulnerabilities that might impact community discussions.
Educate users on safe practices when customizing theme components to prevent similar security issues.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Discourse.
Consider implementing additional security measures to enhance the overall security posture of Discourse instances.

Patching and Updates

Discourse has released patches for the vulnerability in version 3.1.3 of the

stable

branch and version 3.2.0.beta3 of the

beta

and

tests-passed

branches. It is crucial to apply these patches promptly to secure Discourse instances against potential exploitation.