CVE-2013-7453 in Node.js
Summary
by MITRE
The validator module before 1.1.0 for Node.js allows remote attackers to bypass the cross-site scripting (XSS) filter via vectors related to UI redressing.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7453 affects the validator module in Node.js versions prior to 1.1.0, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the application's ability to prevent cross-site scripting attacks. This issue specifically targets the XSS filter mechanism, which is designed to protect web applications from malicious script injection attempts that could compromise user sessions or execute unauthorized commands. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation logic that fails to properly sanitize user input when dealing with UI redressing attack vectors.
The technical flaw in the validator module manifests when processing user-supplied data that contains crafted HTML elements or JavaScript code designed to manipulate the user interface. UI redressing attacks typically involve techniques such as overlaying invisible elements over legitimate interface components to trick users into performing unintended actions or revealing sensitive information. The vulnerability allows attackers to craft input that bypasses the XSS filter by exploiting gaps in the validation logic that do not adequately account for these sophisticated attack patterns. This weakness specifically impacts how the module handles certain HTML tag structures and attribute combinations that should normally be rejected or sanitized.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for Node.js applications that rely on the validator module for input sanitization and security filtering. Attackers can leverage this flaw to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of legitimate user sessions, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability affects any application that uses the validator module for client-side input validation and does not implement additional security measures. This creates a substantial risk for web applications handling sensitive user data or providing privileged access controls, as successful exploitation could result in complete compromise of user accounts and application integrity.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to validator module version 1.1.0 or later to address this vulnerability, as the patch includes enhanced validation logic that properly handles UI redressing attack vectors. Additionally, implementing comprehensive input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture provides defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of web application vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and additional monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, while conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar validation gaps in custom input sanitization routines.