CVE-2021-41184 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting jQuery UI, the official jQuery user interface library. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the `.position()` utility when the value of the `of` option is accepted from untrusted sources. Prior to version 1.13.0, this could lead to the execution of untrusted code. The issue has been resolved in jQuery UI version 1.13.0, where any string value passed to the `of` option is treated as a CSS selector. Organizations should implement a workaround by not accepting values from untrusted sources until they can upgrade.
With a CVSS score of 6.5, the risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized code execution, which can lead to data integrity issues. The vulnerability requires user interaction, indicating a lower likelihood of exploitation; however, the implications remain significant. Organizations are urged to address this issue promptly to ensure the integrity of their applications and user data.
The urgency for defenders is moderate. Organizations should schedule remediation to update to jQuery UI version 1.13.0 or later. The vulnerability was published on October 26, 2021, and the last modification was made on November 4, 2025.
Although there are no known exploits in the wild, the existence of a proof of concept on GitHub further emphasizes the need for vigilance. Security teams should monitor their systems for any signs of exploitation related to this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows the execution of untrusted code when the value of the `of` option is sourced from untrusted inputs. It is classified under CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting'). The official CVE description confirms that the issue is mitigated in version 1.13.0 of jQuery UI.
The CVSS score of 6.5 indicates a medium severity, with a vector string of CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N. The attack vector is classified as NETWORK, with low complexity and no privileges required for exploitation.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the handling of the `of` option in the `.position()` utility. When values are accepted without validation from untrusted sources, it results in the execution of potentially harmful code. The attack vector is through a network interface, requiring user interaction to trigger the exploit.
Attack complexity is low, as no special conditions are needed, and no privileges are required for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability. However, user interaction is necessary, meaning that an attacker would need to trick users into initiating the exploit.
The vulnerability affects the integrity of the application, allowing attackers to manipulate or alter data, while confidentiality and availability impacts are rated as none. Organizations should consider these aspects when prioritizing remediation efforts.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes possible exploitation that may result in data integrity issues. Applications using jQuery UI versions prior to 1.13.0 are at risk, particularly those that accept user inputs for the `of` option in untrusted contexts.
Organizations must consider the blast radius of this vulnerability, especially in environments where jQuery UI is widely used. The potential for unauthorized code execution can lead to further security breaches if left unaddressed.
Urgency assessment indicates that organizations should address this vulnerability in their patch cycle. Given the CVSS score and the availability of a fix, timely remediation is essential to prevent potential exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Affected versions include all versions of jQuery UI prior to 1.13.0. This also affects various products and components, including Drupal, Fedora, and Oracle products as outlined in the CVE details.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should upgrade to jQuery UI version 1.13.0 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. If immediate upgrading is not feasible, it is crucial to implement input validation and avoid accepting untrusted inputs for the `of` option.
For further details on security practices, organizations can refer to our penetration testing services to assess their applications for similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual patterns of input to the `.position()` utility and watch for any unexpected behavior in applications using jQuery UI.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-41184 lies in the increased scrutiny of user input handling within client-side libraries. This vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation methods to mitigate risks associated with untrusted code execution.
Security teams should consider implementing comprehensive security testing practices, such as those described in our penetration testing methodology, to proactively identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
Additionally, organizations should stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities as they evolve within the software development landscape, reflected in our analysis of trends in security vulnerabilities. For more insights, refer to our vulnerability management program to enhance their security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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