CVE-2017-1000042 in Mapbox.js
Summary
by MITRE
Mapbox.js versions 1.x prior to 1.6.5 and 2.x prior to 2.1.7 are vulnerable to a cross-site-scripting attack in certain uncommon usage scenarios via TileJSON Name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1000042 affects Mapbox.js library versions 1.x before 1.6.5 and 2.x before 2.1.7, representing a cross-site scripting vulnerability that emerges in specific usage scenarios involving TileJSON Name parameters. This flaw resides within the client-side JavaScript mapping library that developers use to integrate interactive maps into web applications, making it particularly concerning for applications that dynamically load map data from external sources. The vulnerability manifests when applications process TileJSON data containing maliciously crafted name fields, which are then rendered without proper sanitization in the browser context. This issue falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically targeting the injection of malicious scripts through user-controllable data inputs that are subsequently executed in the victim's browser. The vulnerability is classified as a client-side XSS flaw because it occurs within the browser environment where the JavaScript code executes rather than on the server-side processing layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to manipulate TileJSON data structures that contain untrusted name values, which are then processed by the Mapbox.js library without adequate input validation or output encoding. When a web application using vulnerable Mapbox.js versions loads TileJSON data containing malicious script code within the name field, the library fails to sanitize this input before rendering it into the DOM. This creates an execution environment where attacker-controlled JavaScript code can be injected and executed within the context of the user's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the victim's browser. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages legitimate data processing workflows rather than direct injection attempts, making it harder to detect through traditional security controls. The vulnerability's impact is amplified when applications use Mapbox.js to display user-generated content or data from third-party sources that may not be properly validated.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-1000042 extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to perform sophisticated attacks against users of vulnerable applications. In practical scenarios, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to steal user authentication tokens, redirect users to malicious websites, or inject additional malicious content into the map interface. The vulnerability's occurrence in uncommon usage scenarios suggests that it may not be triggered by typical Mapbox.js implementations, but rather specific configurations or data processing workflows that involve dynamic TileJSON name handling. Organizations using vulnerable versions of Mapbox.js face potential security breaches where attackers could exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to user sessions or compromise the integrity of map-based applications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1211 - Exploitation for Defense Evasion, as attackers could use the XSS capability to establish persistent access or evade security monitoring systems by executing code within the legitimate application context.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1000042 primarily involve upgrading to patched versions of Mapbox.js library, specifically version 1.6.5 for the 1.x series and 2.1.7 for the 2.x series, which include proper input sanitization and output encoding for TileJSON name parameters. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation for any TileJSON data processed by their applications, ensuring that all name fields are properly escaped or sanitized before being rendered in the browser. Additional protective measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers that restrict script execution and using web application firewalls to detect and block malicious TileJSON data patterns. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews to identify any custom implementations that might be processing TileJSON data without proper sanitization, and perform regular vulnerability assessments of all map-based applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of validating and sanitizing all user-controllable inputs in client-side applications, particularly when dealing with data from external sources that may contain untrusted content. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring for XSS vulnerabilities in their JavaScript libraries and maintain up-to-date security patches for all third-party components used in their applications.