CVE-2022-23646 in Next.js
Summary
by MITRE • 02/18/2022
Next.js is a React framework. Starting with version 10.0.0 and prior to version 12.1.0, Next.js is vulnerable to User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information. In order to be affected, the `next.config.js` file must have an `images.domains` array assigned and the image host assigned in `images.domains` must allow user-provided SVG. If the `next.config.js` file has `images.loader` assigned to something other than default, the instance is not affected. Version 12.1.0 contains a patch for this issue. As a workaround, change `next.config.js` to use a different `loader configuration` other than the default.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2022-23646 represents a UI misrepresentation flaw within the Next.js framework that affects versions between 10.0.0 and 12.0.9. This issue stems from how Next.js handles image processing when specific configuration parameters are set in the next.config.js file. The vulnerability specifically targets applications that utilize the images.domains array to specify allowed image hosts and where those hosts permit user-provided SVG content. The flaw operates under CWE-693 which categorizes protections that are inadequate or ineffective, making it particularly concerning for web applications that rely on Next.js for their frontend infrastructure. When exploited, this vulnerability allows for the misrepresentation of critical information through manipulated image content, potentially deceiving users about the true nature of displayed data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the interaction between Next.js's image optimization system and SVG handling capabilities. When the images.domains array contains hosts that accept user-uploaded SVG files, and the default loader configuration is used, the framework fails to properly validate or sanitize SVG content before rendering. This creates a scenario where malicious actors could upload specially crafted SVG files that, when processed by Next.js, could alter the visual representation of critical information on web pages. The vulnerability specifically requires the default loader configuration to be active, as custom loader configurations bypass the problematic code path that enables this UI misrepresentation. The underlying mechanism operates through the image optimization pipeline where SVG files are processed without adequate security checks, potentially leading to misleading visual content that could be used for social engineering or information manipulation attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-23646 extends beyond simple visual deception to potentially compromise user trust and application integrity. Applications affected by this vulnerability could display misleading information through manipulated SVG images, creating scenarios where users might be deceived about the authenticity of displayed data. This represents a significant concern for applications that rely on visual verification of information, such as financial dashboards, administrative interfaces, or any system where visual accuracy is critical for user decision-making. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering through deceptive content, as the UI misrepresentation could be leveraged to manipulate user perception and behavior. Organizations running affected versions of Next.js face potential reputational damage and security risks, particularly in environments where visual accuracy is paramount for operational security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on configuration changes that prevent the exploitable code path. The recommended approach involves modifying the next.config.js file to implement a non-default loader configuration, effectively bypassing the vulnerable SVG processing logic. This configuration change directly addresses the root cause by ensuring that the default loader behavior that enables the vulnerability is not activated. Organizations should also consider upgrading to Next.js version 12.1.0 or later, which includes the official patch for this issue. The patch likely implements additional validation and sanitization measures for SVG content during the image optimization process, preventing the UI misrepresentation that occurred in earlier versions. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of their Next.js applications to identify all instances where the default loader configuration is used with potentially vulnerable image domains, ensuring that proper configuration changes are implemented across all affected systems.