Nodebb: XML Injection
CVE-2023-43187 is a critical-severity XML injection vulnerability in Nodebb, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 1.18.6 as the first without the flaw, so updating Nodebb to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 47.4% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 1.14% of all scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update Nodebb to 1.18.6 or a later version.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
Official description
A remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in the xmlrpc.php endpoint of NodeBB Inc NodeBB forum software prior to v1.18.6 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted XML-RPC requests.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: XML Injection
The product does not properly neutralize special elements that are used in XML, allowing attackers to modify the syntax, content, or commands of the XML before it is processed by an end system.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- github.com/jagat-singh-chaudhary/CVE/blob/main/CVE-2023-43187Exploit, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Nodebb
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent XML Injection vulnerabilities
- 8.0 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.