CVE-2022-40440 in mxGraph
Summary
by MITRE • 10/12/2022
mxGraph v4.2.2 was discovered to contain a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability via the setTooltips() function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-40440 affects mxGraph version 4.2.2 and represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the setTooltips() function. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape user-supplied data before rendering it in the browser context. The vulnerability exists in the graph visualization library's tooltip functionality, which is commonly used to display additional information about graph elements during user interactions. When developers integrate mxGraph into web applications and enable tooltip features, they inadvertently expose their applications to malicious payload injection attacks that can execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of authenticated users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of tooltip content within the setTooltips() function, which likely concatenates user-provided data directly into HTML elements without appropriate sanitization measures. This flaw aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities arising from insufficient output escaping and improper input validation. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who gain the ability to inject malicious scripts through tooltip parameters, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or redirection to malicious websites. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including file upload scenarios, form submissions, or direct manipulation of tooltip data structures.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-40440 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise entire web applications. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially leading to privilege escalation if the affected application handles sensitive operations. The vulnerability affects organizations using mxGraph in web-based applications, particularly those implementing graph visualization components where user input is processed through tooltip functionality. This includes enterprise applications, dashboard systems, network monitoring tools, and collaborative platforms that utilize mxGraph for diagrammatic representations. The attack surface is broad given mxGraph's widespread adoption in web development environments and its integration into numerous commercial and open-source applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-40440 should prioritize immediate patching of affected mxGraph versions to the latest available release that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms specifically for tooltip content, ensuring all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being rendered in HTML contexts. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews of applications utilizing mxGraph to identify and remediate any custom implementations that may be vulnerable to similar issues. Additionally, implementing content security policies that restrict script execution and employing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to ATT&CK framework principles for preventing client-side vulnerabilities, particularly those related to web application security and user input handling. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect similar issues in their codebases and maintain updated threat intelligence regarding emerging XSS attack patterns targeting graph visualization libraries.