CVE-2021-41252: Cross-site scripting (XSS) from writer field content in the site frontend

Published Nov 16, 2021
·
Updated

Kirby is an open source file structured CMS ### Impact Kirby's writer field stores its formatted content as HTML code. Unlike with other field types, it is not possible to escape HTML special characters against cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, otherwise the formatting would be lost. If the user is logged in to the Panel, a harmful script can for example trigger requests to Kirby's API with the permissions of the victim. Because the writer field did not securely sanitize its contents on save, it was possible to inject malicious HTML code into the content file by sending it to Kirby's API directly without using the Panel. This malicious HTML code would then be displayed on the site frontend and executed in the browsers of site visitors and logged in users who are browsing the site. Attackers must be in your group of authenticated Panel users in order to exploit this weakness. Users who do not make use of the writer field are not affected. This issue has been patched in Kirby 3.5.8 by sanitizing all writer field contents on the backend whenever the content is modified via Kirby's API. Please update to this or a later version to fix the vulnerability.

Affected Software

1 affected component
getkirby Kirby>=3.5.0<=3.5.7.1

Event History

Nov 16, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·06:05 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·06:05 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·06:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-41252?

CVE-2021-41252 has a medium severity level due to its potential for cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-41252?

To fix CVE-2021-41252, upgrade your Kirby installation to version 3.5.8 or later.

3

Which versions of Kirby are affected by CVE-2021-41252?

CVE-2021-41252 affects Kirby versions from 3.5.0 to 3.5.7.1.

4

What kind of attack does CVE-2021-41252 expose users to?

CVE-2021-41252 exposes users to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks due to improper handling of HTML content.

5

Is user input affected by CVE-2021-41252?

Yes, user input through Kirbys writer field can be potentially exploited due to the vulnerability in CVE-2021-41252.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203