CVE-2021-32609 in Superset
Summary
by MITRE • 10/18/2021
Apache Superset up to and including 1.1 does not sanitize titles correctly on the Explore page. This allows an attacker with Explore access to save a chart with a malicious title, injecting html (including scripts) into the page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2021
Apache Superset version 1.1 and earlier contains a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability in its Explore page functionality that stems from inadequate input sanitization of chart titles. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which represents one of the most prevalent web application security flaws. The flaw occurs when users with Explore privileges attempt to save charts with titles containing malicious HTML content, including embedded JavaScript code. The application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in the web interface, creating a persistent XSS attack vector.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts directly into the chart title field, which then executes in the context of other users' browsers when they view the saved chart. This occurs because the application does not implement proper HTML escaping or content security policies to prevent script execution. The exploitation requires minimal privileges as users only need Explore access to trigger the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with shared dashboards. The attack chain typically involves a malicious user creating a chart with a specially crafted title containing script tags, which are then rendered without proper sanitization in subsequent page loads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. This represents a significant threat to data confidentiality and integrity within Apache Superset environments, particularly in enterprise settings where dashboard sharing and collaboration are common practices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the core exploration functionality, making it accessible to any user with appropriate permissions. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent footholds within the system, potentially escalating privileges or accessing sensitive analytical data. The vulnerability also impacts the application's trust model, as users cannot reliably trust the content displayed in charts and dashboards.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-32609 should prioritize immediate patching of Apache Superset to version 1.2 or later, where the title sanitization issue has been addressed. Organizations should implement additional security controls such as enforcing strict content security policies, enabling automatic sanitization of all user inputs, and configuring proper input validation at multiple layers. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, while establishing monitoring procedures to identify suspicious chart creation activities. The fix aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as it addresses a vector that could be exploited through social engineering to deliver malicious payloads. Regular security assessments and input validation testing should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other application components, particularly those handling user-generated content. Organizations should also review their privilege escalation policies to ensure that users with Explore access do not inadvertently create security risks for other system components.