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XSS Vulnerability in Software Catalog

Moderate
Rugvip published GHSA-7hv8-3fr9-j2hv Feb 14, 2023

Package

npm @backstage/catalog-model (npm)

Affected versions

< 1.1.5

Patched versions

1.2.0
npm @backstage/core-components (npm)
< 0.12.3
0.12.4
npm @backstage/plugin-catalog-backend (npm)
< 1.7.1
1.7.2

Description

Impact

This vulnerability allows a malicious actor with access to add or modify content in an instance of the Backstage software catalog to inject script URLs in the entities stored in the catalog. If users of the catalog then click on said URLs, that can lead to an XSS attack.

Patches

This vulnerability has been patched in both the frontend and backend implementations. The default Link component from @backstage/core-components will now reject javascript: URLs, and there is a global override of window.open to do the same.

In addition the catalog model as well as the catalog backend now has additional validation built in that prevents javascript: URLs in known annotations.

Workarounds

The general practice of limiting access to modifying catalog content and requiring code reviews greatly helps mitigate this vulnerability.

For more information

If you have any questions or comments about this advisory:

Severity

Moderate
6.8
/ 10

CVSS base metrics

Attack vector
Network
Attack complexity
Low
Privileges required
Low
User interaction
Required
Scope
Changed
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
None
Availability
None
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N

CVE ID

CVE-2023-25571

Weaknesses