CVE-2023-22491

What it is

Gatsby is a free and open source framework based on React that helps developers build websites and apps. The gatsby-transformer-remark plugin prior to versions 5.25.1 and 6.3.2 passes input through to the `gray-matter` npm package, which is vulnerable to JavaScript injection in its default configuration, unless input is sanitized. The vulnerability is present in gatsby-transformer-remark when passing input in data mode (querying MarkdownRemark nodes via GraphQL). Injected JavaScript executes in the context of the build server. To exploit this vulnerability untrusted/unsanitized input would need to be sourced by or added into a file processed by gatsby-transformer-remark. A patch has been introduced in `[email protected]` and `[email protected]` which mitigates the issue by disabling the `gray-matter` JavaScript Frontmatter engine. As a workaround, if an older version of `gatsby-transformer-remark` must be used, input passed into the plugin should be sanitized ahead of processing. It is encouraged for projects to upgrade to the latest major release branch for all Gatsby plugins to ensure the latest security updates and bug fixes are received in a timely manner.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering.

Exploit odds

0.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2023-01-13 19:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-09-29 15:06 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.1 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-01-13 19:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-09-29 15:06 UTC

Exploit probability

0.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-20 · Improper input validation

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Gatsbyjs gatsby-transformer-remark < 5.25.1
• Gatsbyjs gatsby-transformer-remark < 6.3.2

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.1

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

None

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2023-22491.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-22491. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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