CVE-2022-4414 in framework
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2022
Cross-site Scripting (XSS) - DOM in GitHub repository nuxt/framework prior to v3.0.0-rc.13.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4414 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the DOM layer of the nuxt/framework repository, specifically affecting versions prior to v3.0.0-rc.13. This issue resides in the client-side JavaScript execution environment where user-supplied input is improperly sanitized before being processed and rendered in the browser context. The vulnerability manifests when applications built on this framework fail to adequately validate or escape dynamic content that originates from user interactions or external sources, creating an attack surface where malicious scripts can be injected and executed within the context of legitimate user sessions.
The technical nature of this DOM-based XSS vulnerability stems from improper handling of input data within the framework's DOM manipulation functions. When user-provided parameters are directly incorporated into DOM operations without proper sanitization, attackers can inject malicious scripts that execute in the victim's browser. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and more specifically CWE-80 which deals with improper neutralization of script-related HTML tags in a web page. The vulnerability typically occurs when developers use methods like innerHTML, outerHTML, or document.write without adequate input validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that can hijack user sessions, deface web pages, or redirect users to malicious sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors that leverage the compromised user context. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed through various vectors including malicious links, compromised user accounts, or even through social engineering campaigns that trick users into interacting with malicious content. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability represents a critical weakness in web application security that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to user data and system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-4414 involve implementing proper input validation and output sanitization measures throughout the application's data flow. Developers should utilize secure coding practices that prevent direct DOM manipulation with unsanitized user input, instead employing frameworks or libraries that automatically escape content or validate input parameters. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to version v3.0.0-rc.13 or later of the nuxt/framework repository where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and DOM handling procedures. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection, while establishing comprehensive security testing protocols that include dynamic analysis of DOM-based vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also incorporate regular security audits and code reviews to identify similar patterns that might exist in other parts of the application stack, ensuring that the security controls are comprehensive and robust against similar attack vectors. Additionally, implementing proper error handling and input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture provides defense-in-depth measures that can prevent exploitation even if individual controls fail.