CVE-2023-2109 in chatwoot
Summary
by MITRE • 04/17/2023
Cross-site Scripting (XSS) - DOM in GitHub repository chatwoot/chatwoot prior to 2.14.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2109 represents a cross-site scripting flaw located within the Document Object Model of the chatwoot repository prior to version 2.14.0. This issue specifically affects the client-side JavaScript execution environment where user input is improperly sanitized before being rendered in the browser context. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-provided data that flows through DOM manipulation functions, creating an attack surface where malicious scripts can be injected and executed within the context of authenticated users. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The affected system operates within a web application framework where client-side interactions are critical for user experience and real-time communication functionality.
The technical flaw manifests when the application processes user input through DOM-based methods such as innerHTML, outerHTML, or document.write without proper sanitization or encoding. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that exploit this vulnerability by injecting script tags or event handlers directly into the DOM structure. The vulnerability is classified as a DOM-based XSS (CWE-79) under the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, specifically categorized under the broader category of client-side injection flaws that occur when untrusted data is executed as code within the browser. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the Document Object Model directly rather than relying on server-side injection points, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional server-side input validation techniques. The attack vector typically involves social engineering where users are tricked into clicking malicious links or interacting with compromised content that triggers the vulnerable DOM functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can lead to complete session hijacking, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the application context. When authenticated users interact with the vulnerable application, attackers can execute malicious scripts that persist in the browser environment and potentially access sensitive information or perform unauthorized operations. The vulnerability affects the entire user base that interacts with the chatwoot application, particularly those who have elevated privileges or access to sensitive communication channels. Organizations relying on chatwoot for customer support, team collaboration, or internal communication systems face significant risk exposure. The attack can result in unauthorized access to chat history, user credentials, system configurations, and potentially lead to further exploitation within the network environment. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 (Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment) and T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) techniques, demonstrating how attackers can leverage such flaws to establish persistent access and conduct advanced persistent threats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-2109 require immediate deployment of the patched version 2.14.0 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. The remediation process involves reviewing all DOM manipulation functions and ensuring that user-provided data is properly escaped before being inserted into the document structure. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers including client-side and server-side, along with regular security code reviews and automated vulnerability scanning, can prevent similar issues from occurring in future deployments. Security teams should also establish monitoring procedures to detect anomalous user behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix typically involves sanitizing user input through established libraries or implementing proper HTML escaping mechanisms before DOM insertion operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. Regular security training for developers on secure coding practices and XSS prevention techniques remains essential for maintaining robust application security posture.