Objective: Compromise Application Using Element UI by Exploiting its Weaknesses (Focus on High-Risk Areas)
Compromise Application Using Element UI ├───**[1.0] Client-Side Exploitation** │ ├───**[1.1] Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)** │ │ ├───[1.1.1] Stored XSS via Component Input --> [1.1.1.1] Inject malicious script into Element UI component (e.g., el-input, el-textarea, el-table cell) that is stored and later rendered without proper sanitization. [HIGH-RISK PATH] │ │ └───**[1.1.4] XSS in Element UI Components Themselves (Library Vulnerability)** │ │ └───[1.1.4.1] Discover and exploit a vulnerability within Element UI's component rendering logic that allows for XSS injection (less likely but possible). ├───**[2.0] Server-Side Exploitation (Indirectly via Element UI)** │ ├───**[2.1] Data Injection via UI Components** │ │ ├───[2.1.1] SQL Injection via Form Input --> [2.1.1.1] Inject malicious SQL queries through Element UI form components (e.g., el-input, el-select) if backend doesn't properly sanitize input before database interaction. [HIGH-RISK PATH] ├───**[3.0] Misconfiguration and Misuse of Element UI** │ ├───**[3.2] Developer-Introduced Vulnerabilities Using Element UI** │ │ ├───[3.2.1] Improper Input Sanitization Before Element UI Rendering --> [3.2.1.1] Failing to sanitize user-provided data before rendering it within Element UI components, leading to XSS vulnerabilities even if Element UI itself is secure. [HIGH-RISK PATH] │ │ └───**[3.2.3] Over-reliance on Client-Side Security** │ │ └───[3.2.3.1] Solely relying on client-side validation provided by Element UI components without proper server-side validation, leading to bypassable security measures. └───**[4.0] Dependency and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities** └───**[4.2] Compromised Element UI Package** └───[4.2.1] Malicious Code Injection into Element UI Package └───[4.2.1.1] Supply chain attack where the Element UI package on package registries (e.g., npm) is compromised and injected with malicious code.
Attack Tree Path: 1.0 Client-Side Exploitation (Critical Node):
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Category Overview: Exploiting vulnerabilities that reside and execute within the user's web browser. This category is critical due to the direct impact on user sessions and potential for widespread attacks.
- 1.1 Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) (Critical Node):
- Overview: Injecting malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. XSS is a highly prevalent and impactful web vulnerability.
- 1.1.1 Stored XSS via Component Input --> [1.1.1.1] Inject malicious script into Element UI component (e.g., el-input, el-textarea, el-table cell) that is stored and later rendered without proper sanitization. [HIGH-RISK PATH]:
- Attack Vector: An attacker injects malicious JavaScript code into an Element UI component (like input fields, textareas, table cells) that is designed to store user-provided data. This data is then saved (e.g., in a database). When other users (or even the attacker later) view this stored data, the malicious script is rendered by the Element UI component and executes in their browsers.
- Impact: Account takeover, session hijacking, defacement, data theft, malware distribution.
- Mitigation: Robust server-side input validation and sanitization before storing data. Output encoding when rendering data in Element UI components. Content Security Policy (CSP).
- 1.1.4 XSS in Element UI Components Themselves (Library Vulnerability) (Critical Node):
- Attack Vector: A vulnerability exists within the Element UI library itself, specifically in the rendering logic of one or more components. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specific inputs or interactions that trigger the library to render and execute malicious JavaScript code.
- Impact: Widespread XSS affecting all applications using the vulnerable version of Element UI.
- Mitigation: Keep Element UI library updated to the latest version. Monitor security advisories for Element UI. In the unlikely event of such a vulnerability, apply patches promptly.
- 1.1 Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) (Critical Node):
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Category Overview: Exploiting vulnerabilities on the server-side that are indirectly triggered or facilitated by user input received through Element UI components. This category is critical because server-side breaches can lead to complete application compromise and data breaches.
- 2.1 Data Injection via UI Components (Critical Node):
- Overview: Using Element UI components to collect user input that, when improperly handled by the backend, leads to injection vulnerabilities.
- 2.1.1 SQL Injection via Form Input --> [2.1.1.1] Inject malicious SQL queries through Element UI form components (e.g., el-input, el-select) if backend doesn't properly sanitize input before database interaction. [HIGH-RISK PATH]:
- Attack Vector: An attacker uses Element UI form components (like input fields, dropdowns) to inject malicious SQL code into user input. If the backend application directly uses this unsanitized input in SQL queries, the attacker's SQL code is executed against the database.
- Impact: Data breach, data manipulation, unauthorized access to sensitive information, potential server compromise.
- Mitigation: Use parameterized queries or prepared statements for all database interactions. Implement robust server-side input validation and sanitization before constructing SQL queries. Principle of least privilege for database access.
- 2.1 Data Injection via UI Components (Critical Node):
Attack Tree Path: 3.0 Misconfiguration and Misuse of Element UI (Critical Node):
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Category Overview: Vulnerabilities arising from developers misconfiguring or misusing Element UI components, or failing to implement secure practices when integrating Element UI into their applications. This category is critical because developer errors are a common source of vulnerabilities.
- 3.2 Developer-Introduced Vulnerabilities Using Element UI (Critical Node):
- Overview: Vulnerabilities introduced by developers due to insecure coding practices when using Element UI, even if Element UI itself is secure.
- 3.2.1 Improper Input Sanitization Before Element UI Rendering --> [3.2.1.1] Failing to sanitize user-provided data before rendering it within Element UI components, leading to XSS vulnerabilities even if Element UI itself is secure. [HIGH-RISK PATH]:
- Attack Vector: Developers fail to properly sanitize user-provided data before passing it to Element UI components for rendering. Even if Element UI provides some encoding, it might not be sufficient or correctly applied in all contexts. This leads to XSS vulnerabilities when the unsanitized data is rendered in the user's browser.
- Impact: XSS vulnerabilities (as described in 1.1).
- Mitigation: Developers must be trained to sanitize all user-provided data before rendering it in Element UI components. Implement consistent output encoding practices. Code reviews to identify missing sanitization.
- 3.2.3 Over-reliance on Client-Side Security (Critical Node):
- Attack Vector: Developers mistakenly believe that client-side validation provided by Element UI components is sufficient for security. They fail to implement proper server-side validation and security checks. Attackers can easily bypass client-side validation.
- Impact: Bypassing intended security restrictions, data integrity issues, potential for further exploitation if server-side defenses are weak.
- Mitigation: Never rely solely on client-side validation for security. Implement robust server-side validation for all user inputs. Server-side authorization and access control for sensitive operations.
- 3.2 Developer-Introduced Vulnerabilities Using Element UI (Critical Node):
Attack Tree Path: 4.0 Dependency and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities (Critical Node):
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Category Overview: Vulnerabilities introduced through the dependencies of Element UI or through compromise of the Element UI package itself. This category is critical due to the potential for widespread and difficult-to-detect attacks.
- 4.2 Compromised Element UI Package (Critical Node):
- Overview: A supply chain attack where the official Element UI package on package registries (like npm) is compromised. Attackers inject malicious code into the package.
- 4.2.1 Malicious Code Injection into Element UI Package --> [4.2.1.1] Supply chain attack where the Element UI package on package registries (e.g., npm) is compromised and injected with malicious code. [HIGH-RISK PATH - Very Low Likelihood, High Impact]:
- Attack Vector: Attackers compromise the Element UI package on package registries. This could involve compromising maintainer accounts or build infrastructure. They inject malicious code into the package. When developers install or update Element UI, they unknowingly download and include the compromised package in their applications.
- Impact: Widespread compromise of all applications using the compromised Element UI package. Potential for data theft, backdoors, and complete application control.
- Mitigation: Use package integrity checks (e.g.,
npm audit
,yarn audit
, checksum verification). Consider using a private package registry for better control over dependencies. Monitor security advisories and community discussions for any signs of package compromise. While low likelihood for popular libraries, it's a high-impact risk to be aware of.
- 4.2 Compromised Element UI Package (Critical Node):