Cross-site Scripting (XSS) Vulnerability in IPython Notebook

ipython Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

21/09/2015
N/A
Yes i
Unrated
Not published

CVE-2015-6938: Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the file browser in notebook/notebookapp.py in IPython Notebook before 3.2.2 and Jupyter Notebook 4.0.x before 4.0.5 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or H... Affects ipython versions < 2.4.1-1. Fixed in 2.4.1-1. How to fix ↓

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Background

IPython Notebook is an interactive computational environment that allows users to create and share documents containing live code, equations, visualizations, and narrative text. It is widely used for data analysis, scientific computing, and machine learning tasks. However, an XSS vulnerability has been discovered in the file browser component of IPython Notebook.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2015-6938, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a folder name in the file browser. This can lead to the execution of malicious code in the context of the affected user's browser session. The vulnerability was initially reported as a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) issue, but subsequent analysis suggests it is an XSS vulnerability.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

2.4.1-1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade ipython

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Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to apply the recommended fix by upgrading to the patched versions of IPython Notebook or Jupyter Notebook.

Conclusion

The XSS vulnerability in IPython Notebook can be a significant security risk as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the user's browser session. It is crucial for users to upgrade to the patched versions of IPython Notebook or Jupyter Notebook to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

IPython Notebook is an interactive computational environment for data analysis, scientific computing, and machine learning tasks. It allows users to create and share documents containing live code, equations, visualizations, and narrative text.

Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This can lead to various attacks, such as stealing sensitive information or performing actions on behalf of the user.

The XSS vulnerability in IPython Notebook can be exploited by injecting arbitrary web script or HTML via a folder name in the file browser. This allows attackers to execute malicious code in the context of the affected user's browser session.

Yes, the vulnerability has been fixed in IPython Notebook version 3.2.2 and Jupyter Notebook version 4.0.5. Users are advised to upgrade to these versions or later to ensure their systems are secure.

No, there are no known workarounds for this vulnerability. It is crucial to apply the recommended fix by upgrading to the patched versions of IPython Notebook or Jupyter Notebook.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for ipython.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

2.4.1-1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade ipython

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