CVE-2024-57965 in axios
Summary
by MITRE • 01/29/2025
In axios before 1.7.8, lib/helpers/isURLSameOrigin.js does not use a URL object when determining an origin, and has a potentially unwanted setAttribute('href',href) call. NOTE: some parties feel that the code change only addresses a warning message from a SAST tool and does not fix a vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-57965 affects the axios JavaScript HTTP client library prior to version 1.7.8, specifically within the lib/helpers/isURLSameOrigin.js file. This issue relates to how the library determines URL origin comparisons and involves potentially problematic code patterns that could lead to security implications. The vulnerability stems from the library's approach to URL origin determination which does not properly utilize native URL object methods, creating potential attack vectors through improper URL parsing and validation mechanisms. The affected code contains a setAttribute('href',href) call that may introduce unexpected behavior or security concerns when processing URL origins.
The technical flaw manifests in the implementation of URL origin comparison logic where the code bypasses proper URL object instantiation and instead relies on string manipulation or alternative approaches for origin determination. This approach can lead to inconsistent behavior when handling various URL formats, especially those containing special characters, encoded sequences, or unusual domain configurations. The use of setAttribute('href',href) represents a potential security risk as it directly manipulates DOM elements without proper validation, potentially allowing for malicious input to be interpreted in unintended ways. This pattern aligns with CWE-116, which addresses improper encoding or escaping of output, and may contribute to broader issues related to input validation and URL handling security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple URL parsing errors, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate URL origin checks in ways that could bypass security restrictions or enable unauthorized access patterns. When applications rely on axios for HTTP requests and origin validation, malicious actors might exploit the flawed URL handling to perform unauthorized operations or circumvent security controls. The vulnerability's potential severity depends on how applications utilize the origin checking functionality, particularly in contexts involving cross-origin resource sharing, authentication mechanisms, or access control enforcement. The impact becomes more pronounced in environments where URL validation serves as a security boundary, as the flawed implementation could allow attackers to craft URLs that appear legitimate but are actually maliciously constructed.
Security mitigations for CVE-2024-57965 primarily involve upgrading to axios version 1.7.8 or later, which addresses the URL origin handling implementation. Organizations should conduct thorough code reviews to identify any custom implementations that might rely on similar flawed URL parsing patterns, ensuring that all URL handling operations utilize proper URL object constructors and native browser APIs. The fix should be accompanied by comprehensive testing of origin validation logic across different URL formats and edge cases, particularly focusing on encoded characters, unusual domain structures, and cross-origin scenarios. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and validation measures for any URL processing within applications can provide additional defense-in-depth layers against potential exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other components. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper URL object usage in security-sensitive contexts and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.