CVE-2021-23398 in react-bootstrap-table
Summary
by MITRE • 06/24/2021
All versions of package react-bootstrap-table are vulnerable to Cross-site Scripting (XSS) via the dataFormat parameter. The problem is triggered when an invalid React element is returned, leading to dangerouslySetInnerHTML being used, which does not sanitize the output.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-23398 affects the react-bootstrap-table package, a widely used component for creating data tables in react applications. This issue represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from improper input validation and sanitization within the data formatting mechanism. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the dataFormat parameter processes invalid React elements, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied data can be directly injected into the DOM through the dangerouslySetInnerHTML attribute.
The technical flaw stems from the package's handling of the dataFormat function parameter which is designed to format cell data before rendering. When developers pass malformed or untrusted data through this parameter, the library fails to properly sanitize the output before applying it to the DOM. This creates an exploitation vector where malicious actors can inject arbitrary JavaScript code that will execute in the context of the victim's browser. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the React framework's dangerouslySetInnerHTML attribute, which bypasses React's built-in XSS protection mechanisms by design. According to CWE-79, this represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability where untrusted data flows into a web page without proper sanitization, making it an ideal candidate for malicious code injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, data theft, and full client-side compromise of affected applications. Since react-bootstrap-table is commonly used in admin panels, dashboards, and data management interfaces, the potential attack surface is significant. An attacker who can control data passed to the dataFormat parameter can execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of any user who views the affected table. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content and T1059.001 for command and control through script injection. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users may have elevated privileges and the affected applications may contain sensitive business data or administrative controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-23398 should focus on immediate patching of the affected package to version 4.3.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, including validating all data passed to the dataFormat parameter and ensuring that any user-provided content is properly escaped before processing. Additional defensive measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, using React's built-in sanitization features, and conducting regular security audits of third-party dependencies. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization in web applications, particularly when dealing with dynamic content rendering, and highlights the need for security-conscious development practices that prevent XSS vulnerabilities through proper data validation and sanitization techniques.