CVE-2023-44389: Zope - Execution of Script Code via Title Property
Summary
CVE-2023-44389: Zope is an open-source web application server. Affects zope across 4 version ranges.
>= 4.0, < 4.8.11
>= 5.0, < 5.8.6
< 21dfa78609ffd8b6bd8143805678ebbacae5141a
< aeaf2cdc80dff60815e3706af448f086ddc3b98d
Fixed in 4.8.11 or 5.8.6, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
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Background
Zope is an open-source web application server that provides a platform for building and managing web applications. It offers various features and functionalities to developers, including the ability to store script code in the title property of Zope objects. This vulnerability affects all versions of Zope 4 and Zope 5. The title property can be manipulated to execute arbitrary script code when viewing the affected object in the Zope Management Interface (ZMI).
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of the title property in Zope objects. An attacker can exploit this by injecting malicious script code into the title property, which will be executed when the object is accessed through the ZMI. This can lead to various consequences, such as unauthorized access, data manipulation, or remote code execution. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 4.8, indicating a moderate severity level.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 6.3.0 as of 23 Oct 2026
pip install --upgrade "zope==6.3.0"
Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the versions below are the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you can't move to the latest
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
>= 4.0, < 4.8.114.8.11pip install --upgrade "zope==4.8.11" -
>= 5.0, < 5.8.65.8.6pip install --upgrade "zope==5.8.6"
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can disable the execution of script code in the title property by implementing input validation and sanitization mechanisms. This can be achieved by creating a custom validator that checks the title property for any potentially malicious script code and rejects or sanitizes it accordingly. Here's an example of a Python code snippet that demonstrates this workaround:
def validate_title(title):
# Implement input validation and sanitization logic here
if contains_script_code(title):
raise ValueError('Invalid title')
object.title = validate_title(object.title)
Note: The exact implementation may vary depending on the specific Zope application and its requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the vulnerability in Zope allows for the execution of script code via the title property, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or remote code execution. It is crucial to update Zope to the latest patched versions (4.8.11 or 5.8.6) or subsequent versions to mitigate the risk. Implementing input validation and sanitization mechanisms can serve as a temporary workaround. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for zope →
FAQ
Zope is an open-source web application server that provides a platform for building and managing web applications. It offers various features and functionalities to developers.
All versions of Zope 4 and Zope 5 are affected by this vulnerability.
The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary script code when viewing the affected object in the Zope Management Interface (ZMI). This can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or remote code execution.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update Zope to the latest patched versions (4.8.11 or 5.8.6). Upgrading to these versions or any subsequent versions that include the fixes will mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Yes, as a temporary workaround, users can implement input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent the execution of script code in the title property. This can be achieved by creating a custom validator that checks for potentially malicious script code and rejects or sanitizes it.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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