CVE-2024-53382 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Prism (also known as PrismJS) through version 1.29.0. This vulnerability allows DOM Clobbering, which can lead to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) if untrusted input containing HTML is processed. The issue arises because the lookup of document.currentScript can be shadowed by attacker-injected HTML elements, enabling an attacker to manipulate the script execution context.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 4.9, categorized as medium severity. The attack vector is network-based, requiring low privileges and no user interaction. However, the attack complexity is rated as high, indicating that an attacker must perform several steps to exploit this vulnerability effectively.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive information and manipulation of web application behavior. Organizations using affected versions of Prism should prioritize patching this vulnerability to mitigate risks associated with XSS attacks.
Currently, there are no known public exploits confirmed for this vulnerability, and it is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, organizations should remain vigilant and monitor for any updates or patches from the vendor.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The official description states that this vulnerability allows DOM Clobbering, which can result in XSS for untrusted input containing HTML but not directly JavaScript. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation) and CWE-94 (Code Injection).
The CVSS version 3.1 vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N, indicating a medium severity with low impact on confidentiality and integrity, and no impact on availability. The vulnerability affects all versions of PrismJS prior to 1.29.0.
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of HTML input within the PrismJS library. Attackers may inject malicious HTML elements that obscure the actual script context being executed. This can lead to scenarios where an attacker’s code is executed in place of the legitimate script, allowing for malicious activities such as data exfiltration or unauthorized actions on behalf of the user.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker could exploit this vulnerability remotely. The attack complexity is rated as high due to the requirement for specific conditions to be met for successful exploitation. Privileges required to exploit this vulnerability are low, and no user interaction is necessary, increasing the risk of exploitation in vulnerable environments.
In terms of impact, the confidentiality and integrity of the system may be compromised, while the availability remains unaffected. Organizations utilizing PrismJS should assess their exposure and consider implementing additional security controls to mitigate potential risks.
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2024-53382 stems from its ability to facilitate XSS attacks, which could allow an attacker to manipulate the web application, steal sensitive data, or perform actions on behalf of users without their consent. The potential blast radius includes any application using PrismJS for syntax highlighting, which may be widely adopted across various web applications.
Given the medium severity rating, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The impact of an exploited vulnerability could range from data breaches to compromised user sessions, making it imperative for organizations to act swiftly.
The urgency for remediation is underscored by the CVSS score of 4.9. Organizations should evaluate their risk tolerance and impact assessments based on the presence of this vulnerability in their environment.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
All versions of PrismJS prior to 1.29.0 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that they are running the latest version of the library to avoid potential exploitation.
Organizations should apply the latest patches from the vendor to remediate this vulnerability. If a patch is not immediately available, consider implementing workarounds such as sanitizing user input and validating HTML before processing. Configuration hardening and network controls should also be employed to limit exposure.
For further information on effective security practices, organizations can refer to our penetration testing services which can help validate security measures.
Security teams should monitor logs for indicators of unusual behavior related to Prism usage. Behavioral anomalies, especially those associated with script execution and user input handling, should be investigated. Network signatures indicative of exploitation attempts should also be established.
CVE-2024-53382 highlights the ongoing risks associated with DOM-based XSS vulnerabilities. As web applications increasingly rely on libraries like PrismJS for client-side functionality, understanding these vulnerabilities becomes critical for maintaining security. Organizations should consider regular security assessments and incorporate lessons learned from this vulnerability into their security training programs.
To further enhance security posture, organizations can explore our penetration testing methodology which provides insights into proactive measures.
Additionally, organizations should prioritize the establishment of a vulnerability management program to ensure ongoing assessment of security risks.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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