CVE-2023-50550 in layui
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2023
layui up to v2.74 was discovered to contain a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability via the data-content parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-50550 affects layui version 2.74 and earlier, representing a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability that exploits the data-content parameter within the framework. This issue resides in the frontend JavaScript components of layui, a popular front-end UI library used extensively in web applications for building administrative interfaces and dashboards. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data passed through the data-content attribute, which is commonly used for dynamic content loading and modal dialog displays within the framework's components.
The technical flaw manifests when malicious actors inject malicious scripts through the data-content parameter, which then gets executed in the context of the victim's browser session. This occurs because the framework fails to properly escape or sanitize special characters in the content parameter before rendering it into the DOM. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including user profile updates, form submissions, or any interface element that accepts dynamic content through the data-content attribute. The flaw maps directly to CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities as a result of improper sanitization of user-controllable data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user information, manipulate data within the application, or redirect users to malicious websites. Given that layui is widely adopted in enterprise applications and administrative panels, a successful exploitation could compromise entire user sessions and potentially lead to privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability affects any web application utilizing layui components that process user input through the data-content parameter, making it particularly concerning for applications handling sensitive data or user authentication.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all data-content parameters, implementing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, and updating to the latest version of layui where this vulnerability has been addressed. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Scripting and T1531 for Account Access Removal, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access through session manipulation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive code reviews to identify all instances where the data-content parameter is used, implement proper HTML encoding for dynamic content, and establish automated testing procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles.