CVE-2022-21169 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A detailed analysis of CVE-2022-21169, a vulnerability related to Prototype Pollution in express-xss-sanitizer.

Understanding CVE-2022-21169

This CVE identifies a security issue in express-xss-sanitizer versions before 1.1.3, allowing attackers to exploit Prototype Pollution.

What is CVE-2022-21169?

The vulnerability in express-xss-sanitizer before version 1.1.3 enables attackers to perform Prototype Pollution via the allowedTags attribute, bypassing XSS sanitization.

The Impact of CVE-2022-21169

With a CVSS base score of 7.3 (High Severity), this vulnerability poses a risk to the integrity and availability of affected systems. The attacker can carry out attacks with low complexity and network access.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-21169

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2022-21169 to understand the nature of the security issue.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper input validation in the allowedTags attribute, leading to Prototype Pollution and potential XSS bypass.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of express-xss-sanitizer that are less than 1.1.3 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users utilizing these versions are at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious input via the allowedTags attribute, manipulating the prototype of objects and potentially executing arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-21169, it is crucial to implement immediate mitigations and establish long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update express-xss-sanitizer to version 1.1.3 or higher to eliminate the vulnerability.
Validate and sanitize user input to prevent injection attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Stay informed about security updates and patches for all software components.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security advisories from the vendor and apply patches promptly to ensure a secure software environment.