Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Vulnerability in Universal Feed Parser
Summary
CVE-2011-1158: Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in feedparser.py in Universal Feed Parser (aka feedparser or python-feedparser) 5.x before 5.0.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an unexpected U... 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 5.x before 5.0.1 of the library are vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability (CVE-2011-1158) allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML into the parsed feed content. This occurs due to insufficient sanitization of unexpected URI schemes, such as the javascript: URI. An attacker can craft a malicious feed that, when parsed by Universal Feed Parser, executes arbitrary code in the context of the victim's browser. This can lead to various security issues, including session hijacking, data theft, and unauthorized actions.
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 upgrading to the fixed version is not immediately possible, a temporary workaround is to manually sanitize and validate the URI schemes before processing the parsed feed content. This can be done by implementing custom validation and sanitization functions that ensure only safe URI schemes are allowed.
Conclusion
The cross-site scripting vulnerability in Universal Feed Parser can have serious security implications. It is crucial to upgrade to the fixed version or apply appropriate workarounds to mitigate the risk. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for feedparser →
FAQ
Universal Feed Parser is a Python library used for parsing RSS and Atom feeds. It allows developers to extract and process data from various feed formats.
The vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML into the parsed feed content. This can lead to various security issues, including session hijacking, data theft, and unauthorized actions.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to version 5.0.1-1 or later of Universal Feed Parser. This version includes the necessary fixes to properly sanitize and validate URI schemes.
If upgrading to the fixed version is not immediately possible, a temporary workaround is to manually sanitize and validate the URI schemes before processing the parsed feed content.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the CVE-2011-1158 JSON report available at the following source: https://storage.googleapis.com/cve-osv-conversion/osv-output/CVE-2011-1158.json
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