Medium

Read the Docs vulnerable to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

  • Disclosed: 10.11.2022
  • Updated: 11.10.2026 10:22

Impact

This vulnerability allowed a malicious user to serve arbitrary HTML files from the main application domain (readthedocs[.]org/readthedocs[.]com) by exploiting a vulnerability in the code that serves downloadable content from a project.

Exploiting this would have required the attacker to get a logged-in user to visit the malicious URL, which would have allowed the attacker to take control of the user's session with JavaScript (making requests to the API/site on behalf of the user). This URL would have looked something like hxxps[:]//readthedocs[.]org/projects/attacker-project/downloads/html/version-with-javascript-attack/.

Patches

This issue has been patched in our 8.8.1 release.

Affected software

Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.

PlatformPackageVulnerable versionsFixed in
npm package readthedocs < 8.8.1 8.8.1

References

CVSS score -
Weakness (CWE)
CWE-79
Platform
npm
Package
readthedocs
Disclosed
10.11.2022
Updated
11.10.2026 10:22

Sources and licenses

OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-98pf-gfh3-x3mp - CC BY 4.0

Vulnerability history: readthedocs

All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.

This is the only known vulnerability of this package.

Know which vulnerabilities affect your application

With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.

Connect your application
DockRay newsletter

Application security in your inbox

Important vulnerabilities, actionable guidance and practical advice for your applications. Choose your technologies and follow what matters to your project.

  • A daily digest of new vulnerabilities, critical ones included.
  • Notifications about important updates.
  • Practical advice on application security and monitoring.

Leave empty to receive updates for every technology.

Free to subscribe. Unsubscribe with one click in any email.