CVE-2026-1513 in billboard.js
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2026
billboard.js before 3.18.0 allows an attacker to execute malicious JavaScript due to improper sanitization during chart option binding.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-1513 affects billboard.js versions prior to 3.18.0 and represents a critical security flaw in the data visualization library's handling of chart options. This issue stems from inadequate input sanitization during the process of binding chart configuration parameters, creating a potential attack vector for malicious code execution. The flaw exists within the library's core functionality that processes user-supplied data to generate interactive charts, making it particularly dangerous in web applications where user input is common.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of JavaScript code within chart configuration objects. When developers pass user-provided data to billboard.js chart options, the library fails to adequately sanitize or escape special characters that could be interpreted as executable JavaScript code. This occurs specifically during the option binding phase where configuration parameters are processed and rendered into the chart components. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious chart options that contain embedded JavaScript payloads, which then execute within the context of the victim's browser when the chart is rendered. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which addresses the injection of malicious content into web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2026-1513 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to full browser compromise and potential data exfiltration. In web applications that utilize billboard.js for data visualization, an attacker could manipulate chart options through various attack vectors such as API endpoints, user input forms, or even through manipulated data feeds. The execution occurs in the browser context without requiring server-side access, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, where malicious chart configurations could be embedded in seemingly legitimate reports or dashboards, or T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, where the injected code executes directly in the browser environment.
Organizations using billboard.js versions prior to 3.18.0 face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where user input is processed through the charting library. The vulnerability affects web applications across various industries including finance, healthcare, and government sectors where dashboard and reporting systems are common. Security teams should prioritize immediate remediation through version updates, as the patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper input sanitization and escaping mechanisms. Additional mitigations include implementing strict content security policies, validating all chart options server-side, and monitoring for unusual chart configuration patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix demonstrates proper secure coding practices by ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped and validated before being incorporated into the chart rendering process, thereby preventing the execution of malicious JavaScript code.