CVE-2023-38506
CVE-2023-38506 is a high-severity vulnerability in Joplin Project Joplin with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-79.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.2)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (34th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2023-42308
- Weakness: CWE-79
- Affected product: Joplin Project Joplin
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application. A Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability allows pasting untrusted data into the rich text editor to execute arbitrary code. HTML pasted into the rich text editor is not sanitized (or not sanitized properly). As such, the `onload` attribute of pasted images can execute arbitrary code. Because the TinyMCE editor frame does not use the `sandbox` attribute, such scripts can access NodeJS's `require` through the `top` variable. From this, an attacker can run arbitrary commands. This issue has been addressed in version 2.12.10 and users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2023-38506?
- Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application. A Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability allows pasting untrusted data into the rich text editor to execute arbitrary code. HTML pasted into the rich text editor is not sanitized (or not sanitized properly). As such, the `onload` attribute of pasted images can execute arbitrary code. Because the TinyMCE editor frame does not use the `sandbox` attribute, such scripts can access NodeJS's `require` through the `top` variable. From this, an attacker can run arbitrary commands. This issue has been addressed in version 2.12.10 and users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
- How severe is CVE-2023-38506?
- CVE-2023-38506 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity low, and availability low.
- Is CVE-2023-38506 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (34th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2023-38506?
- CVE-2023-38506 affects Joplin Project Joplin. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2023-38506?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2023-38506 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2023-38506 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2023-42308.
- When was CVE-2023-38506 published?
- CVE-2023-38506 was published on 2024-06-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:joplin_project:joplin:*:*:*:*:*:-:*:*
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