CVE-2023-49293 in vite
Summary
by MITRE • 12/05/2023
Vite is a website frontend framework. When Vite's HTML transformation is invoked manually via `server.transformIndexHtml`, the original request URL is passed in unmodified, and the `html` being transformed contains inline module scripts (`...`), it is possible to inject arbitrary HTML into the transformed output by supplying a malicious URL query string to `server.transformIndexHtml`. Only apps using `appType: 'custom'` and using the default Vite HTML middleware are affected. The HTML entry must also contain an inline script. The attack requires a user to click on a malicious URL while running the dev server. Restricted files aren't exposed to the attacker. This issue has been addressed in [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2023
This vulnerability resides within the Vite frontend development framework and represents a server-side request forgery variant that exploits improper input validation in the HTML transformation pipeline. The flaw specifically affects applications configured with appType: 'custom' that utilize Vite's default HTML middleware, creating a pathway for malicious HTML injection through manipulated URL query parameters. The vulnerability manifests when the server.transformIndexHtml function processes requests containing inline module scripts, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary HTML content into the transformed output by manipulating the URL query string. This represents a critical security gap that falls under CWE-79, which encompasses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and specifically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1211 for exploitation of web applications through input manipulation.
The technical exploitation requires a specific combination of conditions to succeed, including the use of custom application type configuration alongside default HTML middleware processing. The attack vector involves crafting a malicious URL that, when processed by the vulnerable transformIndexHtml function, injects HTML content into the response. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates during development server execution, meaning attackers must convince users to click on malicious links while the development server is running. The attack requires user interaction and cannot be executed automatically, but the impact is significant as it allows for arbitrary HTML injection that could potentially lead to more severe attacks including XSS or code execution in the context of the development environment. The restricted file access protection mechanism remains effective, preventing direct exposure of sensitive system files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple HTML injection, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within development environments. While the vulnerability requires user interaction and specific configuration conditions, it represents a serious threat to development security practices and could enable attackers to compromise the development workflow. The affected versions include Vite 4.x series prior to 4.4.12 and 4.5.1, as well as the 5.0.5 release, indicating a widespread issue across multiple versions. Organizations using Vite in development environments should immediately update to patched versions to mitigate the risk. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-79 emphasizes the web application security implications, while its alignment with ATT&CK T1211 highlights the need for proper input validation and parameter sanitization in web frameworks. The lack of known workarounds means that organizations must prioritize updating their Vite installations rather than implementing temporary mitigations. This vulnerability underscores the importance of secure development practices in frontend frameworks and the necessity of validating all user-provided input even in development environments where traditional security boundaries may be relaxed.