CVE-2021-23472 in bootstrap-table
Summary
by MITRE • 11/03/2021
This affects all versions of package bootstrap-table. A type confusion vulnerability can lead to a bypass of input sanitization when the input provided to the escapeHTML function is an array (instead of a string) even if the escape attribute is set.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-23472 represents a critical type confusion issue within the bootstrap-table package that affects all versions of this widely-used JavaScript library. This flaw manifests when the escapeHTML function processes input that is an array rather than the expected string format, creating a significant security gap in the input sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the library's handling of user-provided data within table rendering contexts, where the escape attribute is intended to provide protection against cross-site scripting attacks but fails when confronted with array inputs. The issue stems from the library's failure to properly validate input types before processing, allowing malicious actors to bypass intended security measures through crafted array-based inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-191, which describes integer underflow conditions that can lead to unexpected behavior in program execution. In this case, the type confusion occurs when the escapeHTML function expects a string parameter but receives an array, causing the function to process array elements as individual characters rather than treating the entire input as a single unit. This misinterpretation allows for the execution of unintended code paths within the sanitization logic, effectively neutralizing the protection mechanisms that should prevent malicious content from being rendered in table outputs. The flaw operates at the boundary between expected and unexpected input types, where the library's defensive programming fails to account for array inputs that could be passed through various data binding mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-23472 extends beyond simple bypass of input sanitization to potentially enable full cross-site scripting attacks against applications using bootstrap-table. When attackers can manipulate table data through array inputs, they can inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of users viewing the affected tables. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications where user-generated content is displayed in tables, as it allows for the injection of malicious code that can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform other harmful actions. The attack surface is broad since bootstrap-table is commonly used in admin panels, dashboards, and data visualization interfaces where users might input untrusted data that gets rendered in tables.
Organizations using bootstrap-table versions affected by CVE-2021-23472 should implement immediate mitigations to protect against exploitation. The most effective approach involves upgrading to patched versions of the library where input validation has been strengthened to explicitly check for array inputs and reject them before processing. Additionally, developers should implement application-level input sanitization measures that validate and normalize all data before it reaches the escapeHTML function, ensuring that only string values are processed. Security controls should include monitoring for unusual data patterns in table inputs and implementing content security policies that limit script execution capabilities in table rendering contexts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust type checking in JavaScript libraries and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for credential access through data from information repositories, as successful exploitation could lead to session hijacking and unauthorized access to protected applications. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect the presence of this specific vulnerability in their dependency trees and alert on potentially exploitable configurations.