CVE-2020-28487 in vis-timeline
Summary
by MITRE • 01/23/2021
This affects the package vis-timeline before 7.4.4. An attacker with the ability to control the items of a Timeline element can inject additional script code into the generated application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-28487 resides within the vis-timeline JavaScript library, specifically affecting versions prior to 7.4.4. This issue represents a critical security flaw that enables attackers to manipulate timeline data and inject malicious script code into the application. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms within the library's handling of timeline items. When timeline elements are constructed using untrusted data, the library fails to properly escape or validate script content, creating an environment where malicious payloads can be executed within the context of the application. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), specifically representing a stored XSS variant where the malicious code becomes part of the timeline data and executes each time the timeline is rendered. The attack vector requires an attacker to have the ability to modify or control the items parameter of a Timeline element, which could occur through user input, external data sources, or compromised administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection, as it can enable full compromise of the affected application's security model. When malicious script code executes within the timeline context, attackers can perform actions such as stealing user sessions, redirecting users to malicious sites, modifying timeline data, or even executing arbitrary commands on the user's device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because timeline libraries are often used in applications where users may have varying levels of trust, making it easier for attackers to gain access through legitimate data input mechanisms. The risk is amplified when the timeline component is used in administrative interfaces, dashboards, or collaborative applications where user-generated content is common. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which involves social engineering through malicious content, and T1059.007 which covers script-based execution through command and scripting interpreter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-28487 primarily focus on updating to version 7.4.4 or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization processes that strip or escape potentially dangerous characters before timeline data is processed. Additionally, content security policies should be implemented to restrict script execution within timeline contexts, and developers should employ proper output encoding when rendering timeline items. The use of a web application firewall can provide additional protection layers, though the most effective defense remains upgrading to the patched version. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews to identify any custom implementations that might bypass the library's security mechanisms and ensure that all user-provided data undergoes proper validation before being integrated into timeline components. Regular vulnerability assessments and dependency monitoring are essential to prevent similar issues from emerging in other components of the application stack.