Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in GeoServer's REST Resources API

Exploitation

No confirmed exploitation recorded. Patch Next marks exploitation only from CISA KEV.

CVSS

4.8 · CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N

EPSS

• CVE-2023-51445: 0.49% estimated exploitation activity in the next 30 days; percentile 41.99 (FIRST EPSS, 2026-11-03). This is a model estimate, not proof of exploitation or customer exposure.

As published by the source; long descriptions are shortened.

Summary A stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability exists that enables an authenticated administrator with workspace-level privileges to store a JavaScript payload in uploaded style/legend resources that will execute in the context of another administrator's browser when viewed in the REST Resources API. Access to the REST Resources API is limited to full administrators by default and granting non-administrators access to this endpoint should be carefully considered as it may allow access to files containing sensitive information. Details Upload a new Legend via the New Style page if user has permissions for this. This file is then not checked and is uploaded to the backend system. This file can then be viewed directly by requesting it via the API which will then view the file in its raw format without sanitisation. PoC 1 .User makes the following request to upload file. 2. File is uploaded to the backend system and is viewable via the API at - /geoserver/rest/resourse/styles…

Published by the source

20 Mar 2024, 14:58 UTC

Last modified by the source

7 Sep 2024, 22:02 UTC

Source last checked

26 Oct 2026, 16:31 UTC

1. Revision 1 · created · 26 Oct 2026

   Published from ghsa record GHSA-fh7p-5f6g-vj2w

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# Patch Next advisory brief: CVE-2023-51445

Advisory: Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in GeoServer's REST Resources API
IDs: CVE-2023-51445, GHSA-fh7p-5f6g-vj2w
Record: https://patchnext.com/advisories/cve-2023-51445 (revision 1, source checked 26 Oct 2026, 16:31 UTC)
Inventory: none attached. This brief comes from a public page and does not say whether any deployment is affected.
Severity: Medium (CVSS 4.8)
Exploitation: no confirmed exploitation recorded. Patch Next confirms exploitation only from CISA KEV.
Vendor response: Vendor fix available; fixed versions by package: org.geoserver:gs-restconfig 2.23.3. A vendor fix does not mean a deployment is fixed.

## Affected components
- Maven org.geoserver:gs-restconfig: affected < 2.23.3; fixed in 2.23.3

## Suggested inspection (read-only)
- Maven org.geoserver:gs-restconfig: check the installed version with your package manager.

## Supported action
Upgrade each affected component to a fixed version on its release line. For a transitive dependency, upgrade the parent package or add an override or constraint, then regenerate the lockfile. Redeploy every environment that ran an affected version.

## Required regression checks
- Run the test suite and a production build.
- Exercise the features that depend on org.geoserver:gs-restconfig.
- Repeat the inspection and confirm that only fixed versions remain installed.

## Rollback considerations
- Keep the previous lockfile and deployment artifact. Rolling back reinstates the vulnerable version, so apply any documented mitigation while you fix forward.

## Unresolved questions
- Which deployments run an affected version?
- Exploitation status can change. Check again before lowering the priority.
- Mark the work resolved only after the fixed version is verified in production.

## Sources
- Verified: https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-fh7p-5f6g-vj2w (GitHub-reviewed advisory GHSA-fh7p-5f6g-vj2w lists affected ranges: Maven org.geoserver:gs-restconfig >=0 <2.23.3)

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