Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
A security vulnerability has been identified in MapLibre GL JS, a library used for interactive maps in web browsers. This issue could allow attackers to execute malicious scripts within a user's browser by manipulating map attribution strings, potentially leading to significant data compromise. The main concern is confirming whether our applications utilize this specific library and are exposed to this threat.
- Malicious scripts can run in user browsers.
- Affects web-based map rendering libraries.
- Confirm use and assess exposure risk.
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
An attacker could exploit this by supplying specially crafted attribution strings. These strings, when processed by the vulnerable MapLibre GL JS library, could bypass security checks and inject malicious code, such as an `onload` event handler. This code would then execute in the user's browser when the map content is rendered, potentially leading to the described risks.
- No authentication or special access needed.
- Malicious attribution string processed by the library.
- Arbitrary script execution in the user's browser.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
A critical vulnerability in MapLibre GL JS could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary scripts within a user's browser when they view a map with specially crafted attribution strings. This occurs when the sanitization process for DOM attributes is bypassed, enabling malicious code like `onload` or `ontoggle` events to run, potentially impacting the user's session and browser.
- Arbitrary script execution in browser.
- Malicious attribution strings exploit sanitization.
- Compromised user session and browser.
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
Application owners integrating MapLibre GL JS are primarily responsible for addressing this vulnerability, as it affects a client-side library used within web applications. The first practical step involves identifying all instances of the affected library across your web properties, confirming which are exposed to users or handle untrusted data, and then determining the accountable application owner for remediation planning.
- Identify application owners and affected maps.
- Verify exposure of maps to untrusted data.
- Plan remediation or upgrade MapLibre JS.
