Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Vulnerability in Universal Feed Parser
Summary
CVE-2009-5065: Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in feedparser.py in Universal Feed Parser (aka feedparser or python-feedparser) before 5.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors involving nes... Affects feedparser versions < 5.0.1-1. Fixed in 5.0.1-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
Universal Feed Parser (aka feedparser or python-feedparser) is an open-source Python library used for parsing RSS and Atom feeds. It provides a convenient way to extract and process data from various feed formats. However, versions prior to 5.0 are vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2009-5065, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML into the application. This occurs due to a lack of proper input sanitization in the feedparser.py module. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious feed content with nested CDATA stanzas. When the feed is parsed, the injected script or HTML will be executed in the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or other malicious activities.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
5.0.1-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade feedparserTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If updating the library is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround is to implement input sanitization on the feed content before parsing it with Universal Feed Parser. This can be done by using a HTML sanitizer library or implementing custom sanitization logic to remove or escape any potentially malicious script or HTML tags.
Conclusion
The cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Universal Feed Parser (feedparser.py) prior to version 5.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML. To protect your application, it is crucial to update the library to the latest version or apply input sanitization on the feed content. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Universal Feed Parser is a Python library used for parsing RSS and Atom feeds. It provides a convenient way to extract and process data from various feed formats.
Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML into web pages viewed by other users. This can lead to various attacks, such as session hijacking, data theft, or defacement.
The XSS vulnerability in Universal Feed Parser is caused by a lack of proper input sanitization in the feedparser.py module. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious feed content with nested CDATA stanzas, which will be executed in the victim's browser when the feed is parsed.
The consequences of this vulnerability include session hijacking, data theft, or other malicious activities. Attackers can execute arbitrary scripts or HTML in the context of the victim's browser, potentially compromising sensitive information or performing unauthorized actions.
To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Universal Feed Parser library to version 5.0.1-1 or later. If immediate update is not possible, implementing input sanitization on the feed content can serve as a temporary workaround.
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