Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability in node-ansi-up Package
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2021-3377: The npm package ansi_up converts ANSI escape codes into HTML. Affects node-ansi-up versions < 5.0.0+dfsg-1. Fixed in 5.0.0+dfsg-1. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The node-ansi-up package is an npm library that converts ANSI escape codes into HTML. It is commonly used in applications that require terminal output formatting in web environments. The package allows users to create HTML hyperlinks using ANSI escape codes, which enhances the visual representation of terminal outputs. However, this functionality can lead to security risks if not properly managed, particularly concerning user-generated content.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from insufficient URL sanitization in the ansi_up package version 4. This flaw allows attackers to exploit the hyperlink creation feature, leading to potential cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. If an attacker can inject malicious ANSI codes, they can execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the user's browser, compromising user data and application integrity.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
5.0.0+dfsg-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade node-ansi-upTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, avoid using the hyperlink feature of the ansi_up package until the package is updated. Additionally, sanitize any user-generated content that may include ANSI codes before processing it with the package.
Conclusion
The node-ansi-up package has a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability due to improper URL handling in its hyperlink feature. It is crucial for developers to update to the patched version to safeguard their applications against potential attacks. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for node-ansi-up →
FAQ
The vulnerability is a cross-site scripting (XSS) issue caused by insufficient URL sanitization in the node-ansi-up package.
You can check if your application is affected by using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner, which allows you to analyze your manifest file for vulnerabilities.
If exploited, this vulnerability can allow attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in users' browsers, leading to data theft, session hijacking, or other malicious activities.
Yes, the vulnerability has been fixed in version 5.0.0+dfsg-1 of the node-ansi-up package. Updating to this version will mitigate the risk.
If immediate updating is not possible, refrain from using the hyperlink feature and sanitize any input that may contain ANSI codes.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for node-ansi-up.
