CVE-2005-1638: The _writeAttrs function in SafeHTML before 1.3.2 does not properly handle quotes in attribute values, which c

Routine

MEDIUM 4.3DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-1638 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.3) affecting safehtml. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The _writeAttrs function in SafeHTML before 1.3.2 does not properly handle quotes in attribute values, which could allow remote attackers to exploit cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in applications that rely on SafeHTML for protection.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.3 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	1.2% (top 32%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-05-17
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: pixel-apes group

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-05-17 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:13 UTCUpdated Record last modified

pixel-apes group safehtml DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.1.0 · 1.2.0 · 1.2.1 · 1.3.0 · 1.3.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.1.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy safehtml || rpm -q safehtml || safehtml --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison safehtml sudo apt install safehtml=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1.0> sudo apt-mark hold safehtml

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list safehtml sudo dnf downgrade safehtml-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add safehtml

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2005-1638?

safehtml: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2005-1638 being exploited?

CVE-2005-1638 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2005-1638 affect?

CVE-2005-1638 affects safehtml. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.3). The _writeAttrs function in SafeHTML before 1.3.2 does not properly handle quotes in attribute values, which could allow remote attackers to exploit cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in applications that rely on SafeHTML for protec

How urgent is CVE-2005-1638?

Priority 32/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2005-2608 MEDIUM 4.3 DOWNGRADE SafeHTML before 1.3.5 does not properly filter script in UTF-7 and CSS comments, which allows remote attackers
CVE-2005-0649 MEDIUM 4.3 UPGRADE Pixel-Apes SafeHTML before 1.2.1 allows remote attackers to bypass cross-site scripting (XSS) protection via "
CVE-2005-0648 MEDIUM 4.3 DOWNGRADE Multiple vulnerabilities in Pixel-Apes SafeHTML before 1.3.0 allow remote attackers to bypass cross-site scrip

References

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