CVE-2017-20290
Discourse 1.9.0.beta2 before 1.9.0.beta13 contains a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to inject scripts through the email parameter of /email/unsubscribed. Attackers can craft GET requests with SVG onload payloads, which unsubscribed.html.erb renders unescaped via html_safe, executing JavaScript in victims' browsers. Exploitation evidence was first observed by the Shadowserver Foundation on 2023-10-19.
Executive briefing
The source record describes: Discourse 1.9.0.beta2 before 1.9.0.beta13 contains a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to inject scripts through the email parameter of /email/unsubscribed. Attackers can craft GET requests with SVG onload payloads, which unsubscribed.html.erb renders unescaped via html_safe, executing JavaScript in victims' browsers. Exploitation evidence was first observed by the Shadowserver Foundation on 2023-10-19. The practical risk depends on whether an affected product/version is present, reachable and configured in an exploitable way. Review the affected-product evidence and linked vendor advisories before assigning exposure status.
Evidence confidence: Limited Evidence-derived, not an exploitability verdict
Severity & attack characteristics
CVSS vector:CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:N/VI:N/VA:N/SC:L/SI:L/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X
Technical explanation & impact
The technical mechanism is not expanded beyond the source description unless a referenced advisory supplies additional evidence. Read the linked vendor/CERT advisories for root-cause detail.
Potential impact must be interpreted from the published CVSS impact metrics and the affected component. A CVSS impact score is not proof that a particular asset is exploitable.
Weakness classification
CWE-79Affected products and versions
NVD has not supplied machine-readable vulnerable CPE product/version entries for this CVE. This is an information gap, not proof that no products are affected. Check the vendor advisory references below.
Remediation & validation
- Identify exposure by comparing the affected product and version ranges with your asset inventory, SBOM and externally exposed services.
- Review the linked vendor security advisory or patch notes. Upgrade to a vendor-confirmed fixed release; do not infer a fixed version from the CVE description.
- Until patched, consider restricting network access or disabling the affected feature where operationally safe. These are temporary controls, not a substitute for a vendor fix.
- Validate the remediation with a version check and vulnerability rescan, then retain change evidence.
No fixed version is displayed unless it is explicitly established by a vendor advisory. Follow the vendor's release notes for exact product and branch applicability.
Vendor advisories, patches & exploit references
- https://github.com/discourse/discourse/commit/6e37f09b19 VENDOR disclosure@vulncheck.com
- https://github.com/discourse/discourse/commit/a6f2533d38 VENDOR disclosure@vulncheck.com
- https://github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei-templates/blob/main/http/vulnerabilities/other/discourse-xss.yaml VENDOR disclosure@vulncheck.com
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/discourse-1.9.0-beta13-reflected-xss-via-email-unsubscribed REFERENCE disclosure@vulncheck.com
Information gaps & confidence notes
These gaps indicate missing source data. CVE Watch does not fill them with guessed product, exploit or patch details.
- NVD does not currently provide machine-readable vulnerable CPE product/version entries for this record.
Last enrichment: 2026-11-07T05:32:52+00:00 · Source last modified: 2026-11-05T18:16:56.250