CVE-2019-15482 in selectize-plugin-a11y
Summary
by MITRE
selectize-plugin-a11y before 1.1.0 has XSS via the msg field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15482 affects the selectize-plugin-a11y library version prior to 1.1.0, presenting a cross-site scripting vulnerability through the msg field parameter. This accessibility plugin for Selectize.js enhances keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility but introduces a critical security flaw that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability resides in how the plugin handles user-provided message data, specifically within the msg field, which fails to properly sanitize or escape input before rendering in the browser context. This oversight creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of legitimate users, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.
The technical implementation flaw stems from improper input validation and output encoding within the plugin's message handling mechanism. When the plugin processes the msg field parameter, it directly incorporates user-supplied content into the DOM without adequate sanitization measures. This follows the classic XSS pattern where untrusted data flows from user input through the application to the browser, bypassing standard security controls. The vulnerability is classified as a client-side XSS issue that aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities in software applications. The flaw demonstrates poor security hygiene in input handling and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing XSS attacks in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a range of malicious activities within the context of affected applications. An attacker could inject scripts that steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or manipulate application functionality to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability affects any web application that utilizes the selectize-plugin-a11y library with user-controllable message fields, particularly those implementing accessibility features for screen readers or keyboard navigation. Given that accessibility plugins are often integrated into enterprise applications and web platforms, the potential attack surface is significant. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Scripting, where adversaries leverage XSS vulnerabilities to execute malicious scripts in victim browsers, and T1566.001 for Phishing, as attackers could craft malicious messages to deceive users into executing harmful code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15482 require immediate action to upgrade to version 1.1.0 or later of the selectize-plugin-a11y library, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding measures. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures such as Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Input validation should be strengthened to reject or sanitize potentially malicious content before processing, and output encoding should be applied when rendering user-provided messages to ensure that special characters are properly escaped. The vulnerability highlights the importance of security testing for accessibility libraries and components, as these plugins often receive less scrutiny despite their critical role in user experience and application functionality. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all web applications utilizing Selectize.js plugins and related accessibility components to identify similar issues and ensure proper security controls are in place across the entire application stack.