CVE-2023-23627: Sanitize is an allowlist-based HTML and CSS sanitizer

Routine

MEDIUM 6.1UPGRADE

CVE-2023-23627 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.1) affecting sanitize. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Sanitize is an allowlist-based HTML and CSS sanitizer. Versions 5.0.0 and later, prior to 6.0.1, are vulnerable to Cross-site Scripting. When Sanitize is configured with a custom allowlist that allows `noscript` elements, attackers are able to include arbitrary HTML, resulting in XSS (cross-site scripting) or other undesired behavior when that HTML is rendered in a browser. The default configurations do not allow `noscript` elements and are not v

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.1 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 56%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-79
Published	2023-01-28
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: sanitize project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-01-28 00:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 05:37 UTCUpdated Record last modified

sanitize project sanitize UPGRADE

Affected: >= 5.0.0 and < 6.0.1

Fixed in: 6.0.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 6.0.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade sanitize

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade sanitize

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison sanitize sudo apt install sanitize=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold sanitize

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list sanitize sudo dnf downgrade sanitize-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add sanitize

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-2023-23627?

sanitize: upgrade to 6.0.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-23627 being exploited?

CVE-2023-23627 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-2023-23627 affect?

CVE-2023-23627 affects sanitize. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.1). Sanitize is an allowlist-based HTML and CSS sanitizer. Versions 5.0.0 and later, prior to 6.0.1, are vulnerable to Cross-site Scripting. When Sanitize is configured with a custom allowlist that allows `noscript` elements, attackers are able

How urgent is CVE-2023-23627?

Priority 32/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2023-36823 HIGH 7.1 UPGRADE MITIGATE Sanitize is an allowlist-based HTML and CSS sanitizer

References

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