CVE-2023-26132 in dottie
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2023
Versions of the package dottie before 2.0.4 are vulnerable to Prototype Pollution due to insufficient checks, via the set() function and the current variable in the /dottie.js file.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-26132 affects the dottie JavaScript package, a utility library commonly used for accessing and setting nested object properties. This flaw represents a prototype pollution vulnerability that exists in versions prior to 2.0.4, specifically within the set() function of the dottie.js file. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle prototype chain modifications during object property assignment operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the prototype of objects within the JavaScript environment through carefully crafted input data. When the set() function processes user-supplied data without proper validation, it can inadvertently modify the Object.prototype or other built-in object prototypes. This occurs because the function does not adequately check for special property names such as _proto_, constructor, or prototype that could alter the behavior of all objects in the application. The vulnerability specifically targets the current variable handling within the dottie.js implementation, where untrusted data can be used to pollute the prototype chain and affect the application's object model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as prototype pollution can lead to severe security consequences including remote code execution, denial of service, and privilege escalation attacks. When an application is vulnerable to prototype pollution, attackers can potentially manipulate object behavior across the entire application context, affecting how objects are constructed and how methods are inherited. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where user input is processed through the dottie library, as it can provide attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability can be exploited in various scenarios including web applications, server-side rendering environments, and any context where nested object manipulation occurs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-26132 involve immediate upgrading to version 2.0.4 or later of the dottie package, which includes proper input validation and prototype chain isolation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input sanitization practices and avoid using user-provided data directly in object property assignments. Security teams should conduct thorough dependency audits to identify all instances of vulnerable dottie versions within their codebases and application environments. Additional protective measures include implementing strict content security policies, using sandboxed execution environments for untrusted data processing, and monitoring application behavior for signs of prototype manipulation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-471, which specifically addresses the issue of using an incorrect variable in a context where a different variable is expected, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection and T1211 for exploitation of vulnerable software components. Organizations should also consider implementing automated dependency checking tools and security scanning practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future.