CVE-2017-16008 in i18next
Summary
by MITRE
i18next is a language translation framework. Because of how the interpolation is implemented, making replacements from the dictionary one at a time, untrusted user input can use the name of one of the dictionary keys to inject script into the browser. This affects i18next <=1.10.2.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16008 resides within the i18next language translation framework, a widely adopted JavaScript library for internationalizing web applications. This security flaw manifests in the library's interpolation mechanism, which processes user-provided data during translation operations. The issue specifically affects versions up to and including 1.10.2, making it a significant concern for developers who have not updated their implementations. The core problem stems from how the framework handles variable substitution within translation strings, creating a pathway for malicious input to be executed as script code in browser environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a pattern where i18next processes dictionary keys sequentially during interpolation operations. When user input is passed directly into translation functions without proper sanitization, the framework's interpolation logic can be manipulated to execute unintended JavaScript code. This occurs because the interpolation process treats dictionary keys as potential script execution points, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads through carefully crafted input that references existing translation keys. The vulnerability essentially creates a cross-site scripting vector where the attacker's input becomes part of the executed code rather than being treated as simple text replacement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript within the context of the affected web application. This could lead to session hijacking, data theft, or complete compromise of user sessions. The attack surface is particularly concerning because i18next is commonly used in web applications where user input is frequently processed through translation functions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1213, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities through input manipulation. Organizations using affected versions face significant risk as this flaw can be exploited without requiring privileged access or complex attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16008 center on immediate version updates to i18next 1.10.3 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the interpolation vulnerability. Additionally, developers should implement proper input sanitization before passing user data to translation functions, ensuring that any user-provided content is properly escaped or validated. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent script execution even if the underlying vulnerability is not fully patched. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews to identify all instances where user input is processed through translation functions, particularly in areas where internationalization is implemented. Organizations should consider implementing automated scanning tools that can detect usage of vulnerable i18next versions and monitor for potential exploitation attempts in their web application logs.