CVE-2023-38506: joplin XSS — Exploit & Fix

Description

Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application. A Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability allows pasting untrusted data into the rich text editor to execute arbitrary code. HTML pasted into the rich text editor is not sanitized (or not sanitized properly). As such, the `onload` attribute of pasted images can execute arbitrary code. Because the TinyMCE editor frame does not use the `sandbox` attribute, such scripts can access NodeJS's `require` through the `top` variable. From this, an attacker can run arbitrary commands. This issue has been addressed in version 2.12.10 and users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.

Is your site exposed to CVE-2023-38506?

Run a free security scan — no signup, results in seconds.

CVSS v3.1 Score

8.2

HIGH

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:L/A:L

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting (XSS)

Affected Products

Vendor	Product	Versions
joplin_project	joplin	< 2.12.10

References

Advisories & Patches

https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/security/advisories/GHSA-m59c-9rrj-c399 https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/security/advisories/GHSA-m59c-9rrj-c399

Exploits

https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/security/advisories/GHSA-m59c-9rrj-c399 https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/security/advisories/GHSA-m59c-9rrj-c399

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-38506? +

Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application. A Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability allows pasting untrusted data into the rich text editor to execute arbitrary code. HTML pasted into the rich text editor is not sanitized (or not sanitized properly). As such, the `onload` attribute of pasted images can execute arbitrary code. Because the TinyMCE editor frame does not use the `sandbox` attribute, such scripts can access NodeJS's `require` through the `top` variable. From this, an attacker can run arbitrary commands. This issue has been addressed in version 2.12.10 and users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2 (HIGH).

How severe is CVE-2023-38506? +

CVE-2023-38506 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 8.2 out of 10, rated HIGH. This is a high-severity vulnerability that should be prioritized for patching.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-38506? +

CVE-2023-38506 affects products from joplin_project, specifically: joplin. Check the affected products table above for specific version ranges.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2023-38506? +

You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

Related Vulnerabilities

CVE-2026-40282

WeGIA is a web manager for charitable institutions. In versions prior to 3.6.10, a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability allows …

CVE-2026-3317

Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Navigate Content Management System. The vulnerability is present in the '/blog' endpoint because user …

CVE-2025-10354

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability reflected in Semantic MediaWiki. This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute JavaScript code in the victim's …

CVE-2026-41456

Bludit CMS prior to commit 6732dde contains a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability in the search plugin that allows unauthenticated attackers …

CVE-2026-40872

mailcow: dockerized is an open source groupware/email suite based on docker. In versions prior to 2026-03b, the admin dashboard's Autodiscover …

CVE-2026-40878

mailcow: dockerized is an open source groupware/email suite based on docker. In versions prior to 2026-03b, the mailcow web interface …

CVE-2023-38506