CSC News Table of Contents
The CISA known exploited vulnerabilities update has just included a critical jQuery vulnerability cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw, tracked as CVE-2020-11023, to its catalog.
This latest addition highlights the importance of safeguarding systems against known threats. The vulnerability, which affects jQuery versions 1.0.3 to 3.4.1, could allow attackers to execute malicious code through untrusted HTML inputs.
Key Takeaway to jQuery Vulnerability to KEV Catalog:
- Addressing the jQuery vulnerability promptly is essential to safeguard systems from potential exploits.
What Is the jQuery Vulnerability?
The newly listed jQuery vulnerability, identified as CVE-2020-11023 with a CVSS score of 6.9, is a persistent cross-site scripting flaw that affects jQuery versions from 1.0.3 to 3.4.1.
This issue arises when jQuery’s DOM manipulation methods, such as .html() or .append(), process untrusted HTML containing <option> elements.
Malicious actors could exploit this to inject and execute harmful code, even if the HTML is sanitized.
This vulnerability was initially discovered and reported by researcher Masato Kinugawa.
What Has Been Done to Address This Flaw?
The jQuery team fixed the issue in version 3.5.0. The update replaced the vulnerable regex-based jQuery.htmlPrefilter method with a safer approach.
Additionally, they recommend using DOMPurify with the SAFE_FOR_JQUERY option for enhanced security when handling HTML from untrusted sources.
Organizations unable to upgrade to jQuery 3.5.0 should immediately adopt this workaround to prevent exploitation.
Why Is This Important?
The inclusion of this vulnerability in the CISA Known Exploited jQuery Vulnerabilities Update reflects its high-risk nature.
According to Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 22-01, federal agencies must resolve identified vulnerabilities in the catalog by the specified deadlines to protect their networks.
For CVE-2020-11023, the deadline is February 14, 2025.
Real-Life Impacts of Similar Vulnerabilities
Cross-site scripting attacks are not uncommon. For example, in 2017, a major XSS vulnerability in WordPress plugins exposed millions of sites to risk.
This highlights how even minor vulnerabilities in widely-used software can have widespread consequences.
What Should Organizations Do Now?
CISA urges federal agencies and private organizations to:
- Update to jQuery 3.5.0 or higher.
- Sanitize untrusted HTML inputs with tools like DOMPurify if upgrading is not feasible.
- Review the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog regularly to address other potential risks.
Why Does This Matter to You?
Vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-11023 emphasize the growing complexity of cybersecurity threats.
Whether you’re a federal agency, a private organization, or an individual, understanding and acting on these updates is essential.
About the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is a U.S. federal agency responsible for enhancing cybersecurity across all government and private sectors. Learn more on their official website.
Rounding Up
The CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Update serves as a vital reminder to stay proactive in cybersecurity.
The jQuery XSS vulnerability, now included in the KEV catalog, demonstrates how attackers can exploit even well-known software.
Immediate actions, like upgrading to secure versions and employing recommended mitigations, can safeguard against these threats.
FAQs
What is the jQuery vulnerability mentioned by CISA?
- A persistent XSS flaw affecting jQuery versions 1.0.3 to 3.4.1, allowing malicious code execution via untrusted HTML inputs.
What is CISA’s KEV catalog?
- It’s a collection of known exploited vulnerabilities identified as significant risks to IT systems.
What’s the deadline for addressing CVE-2020-11023?
- Federal agencies must fix the vulnerability by February 14, 2025.
What should I do if I can’t upgrade to jQuery 3.5.0?
- Use DOMPurify with the SAFE_FOR_JQUERY option to sanitize untrusted HTML inputs.
Where can I find more details about this vulnerability?
- Visit CISA’s alert page.
