CVE-2023-36823: Sanitize is an allowlist-based HTML and CSS sanitizer

This month

HIGH 7.1WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2023-36823 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.1) affecting sanitize, debian linux. 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. Using carefully crafted input, an attacker may be able to sneak arbitrary HTML and CSS through Sanitize starting with version 3.0.0 and prior to version 6.0.2 when Sanitize is configured to use the built-in "relaxed" config or when using a custom config that allows `style` elements and one or more CSS at-rules. This could result in cross-site scripting or other undesired behavior when the mal

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.1 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 46%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-79
Published	2023-07-06
Last modified	2026-06-17

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

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-07-06 16:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:07 UTCUpdated Record last modified

sanitize project sanitize UPGRADE

Affected: >= 3.0.0 and < 6.0.2

Fixed in: 6.0.2

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 6.0.2 (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 3.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison sanitize sudo apt install sanitize=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.0.0> 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_3.0.0> 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.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 10.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 10.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2023-36823?

sanitize: upgrade to 6.0.2; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-36823 being exploited?

CVE-2023-36823 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-2023-36823 affect?

CVE-2023-36823 affects sanitize, debian linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.1). Sanitize is an allowlist-based HTML and CSS sanitizer. Using carefully crafted input, an attacker may be able to sneak arbitrary HTML and CSS through Sanitize starting with version 3.0.0 and prior to version 6.0.2 when Sanitize is configure

How urgent is CVE-2023-36823?

Priority 43/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2023-23627 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE Sanitize is an allowlist-based HTML and CSS sanitizer

References

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