CVE-2023-22491 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE pertains to a vulnerability in the

gatsby-transformer-remark

plugin used in Gatsby, potentially allowing unsanitized JavaScript code injection.

Understanding CVE-2023-22491

This vulnerability impacts the

gatsby-transformer-remark

plugin in Gatsby, a framework built on React, when processing input data in data mode via GraphQL.

What is CVE-2023-22491?

The

gatsby-transformer-remark

plugin, versions prior to 5.25.1 and 6.3.2, allows unsanitized input to be passed to the

gray-matter

npm package, making it vulnerable to JavaScript injection if input is not sanitized. This injection could execute on the build server.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22491

The vulnerability poses a high risk, with a CVSSv3 base score of 8.1 (High severity). It can compromise confidentiality and integrity, requiring low privileges for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22491

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from passing unsanitized input to

gray-matter

via

gatsby-transformer-remark

, allowing JavaScript injection. A successful exploit could execute malicious code on the build server.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: gatsbyjs
Product: gatsby
Affected Versions:
>= 6.0.0, < 6.3.2

< 5.25.1

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, untrusted input must be added to a file processed by

gatsby-transformer-remark

. The injected JavaScript could execute within the build server's context.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems against CVE-2023-22491 involves immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade

gatsby-transformer-remark

to versions

5.25.1

or

6.3.2

, which disable the vulnerable

gray-matter

JavaScript Frontmatter engine.
Sanitize input before passing it to the plugin if using older versions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all Gatsby plugins to the latest major release branch.
Implement input validation and sanitization practices in all code input mechanisms.
Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches and updates.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely patch application by updating to the latest secure versions of affected software components.