CVE-2025-1022 in browsershot
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2025
Versions of the package spatie/browsershot before 5.0.5 are vulnerable to Improper Input Validation in the setHtml function, invoked by Browsershot::html(), which can be bypassed by omitting the slashes in the file URI (e.g., file:../../../../etc/passwd). This is due to missing validations of the user input that should be blocking file URI schemes (e.g., file:// and file:/) in the HTML content.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-1022 affects the spatie/browsershot package version 5.0.4 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through improper input validation within the setHtml function. This flaw specifically manifests when the Browsershot::html() method processes HTML content containing file URIs, creating an avenue for path traversal attacks that can compromise system security. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input, particularly in how the package handles file URI schemes within HTML content, making it susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors who can manipulate the input to access unauthorized system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the absence of proper sanitization mechanisms for file URI schemes in the HTML processing pipeline. When the setHtml function processes HTML content containing file:// or file:/ URIs, the package fails to validate or reject these potentially dangerous schemes that could enable access to local system files. Attackers can exploit this by crafting HTML content with file URIs that omit proper slashes in the file path, such as file:../../../../etc/passwd, which bypasses the intended validation checks and allows arbitrary file access. This behavior aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling full system compromise through unauthorized file access and privilege escalation. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive system files, configuration data, or application credentials stored on the server, particularly in environments where the browsershot package is used to process untrusted HTML content from users or external sources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications that utilize the browsershot package for generating screenshots or PDFs from HTML content, as these applications often process user input without proper sanitization, creating multiple potential attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-1022 require immediate action to upgrade to version 5.0.5 or later of the spatie/browsershot package, which includes proper input validation for file URI schemes. Organizations should implement additional defensive measures such as comprehensive input sanitization for all HTML content processed through the browsershot package, including explicit blocking of file URI schemes and validation of all file paths. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security monitoring and log analysis can help detect unauthorized file access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in security design, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, and T1566 for malicious file execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls beyond simple patch management.