CVE-2025-47204 Scanner

Bootstrap Multiselect is a JavaScript-based plugin used to enhance or replace HTML select boxes in web applications. It is often utilized in projects where users need to select multiple options from a dropdown list, providing an enhanced UI experience. Found primarily in web applications and systems requiring user input, Bootstrap Multiselect is particularly popular among developers using Bootstrap for their CSS frameworks. Its simplicity and ease of integration make it a preferred choice for many front-end developers. The plugin is widely used in commercial web applications to manage user interaction with form elements. Whilst it is beneficial, it requires careful implementation to avoid introducing vulnerabilities.

The vulnerability in question is a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw that emerged due to improper handling of user inputs in Bootstrap Multiselect. If exploited, the vulnerability could allow an attacker to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This vulnerability is particularly significant because it can be exploited via Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks when a user is tricked into executing actions in an application they are authenticated in. XSS attacks can result in data theft, change in settings, or redirection to malicious sites, making it crucial to protect against such vulnerabilities. The Medium severity attributed to this flaw reflects the potential impact on data integrity and user trust in affected applications. Understanding the premises of this vulnerability helps reduce the attack surface and ensure the application’s security.

Technical details of the vulnerability involve the mishandling of POST data by a PHP script found in a particular source code release of Bootstrap Multiselect. The vulnerable endpoint, post.php, does not properly sanitize user input before echoing it back to the user. This flaw allows an attacker to craft a POST request containing a script tag in the ‘canary’ parameter, leading to the execution of malicious JavaScript. Such attacks exploit the reflective nature of the script, impacting environments where the source code structure gets wholesale adoption without sufficient security scrutiny. Moreover, the vulnerability showcases the critical importance of validating and escaping user-supplied data, as failure to do so creates exploitation opportunities.

When malicious actors exploit this vulnerability, they can execute scripts in users’ browsers, performing actions like session hijacking, data theft, or application defacement. The immediate consequences include unauthorized access to user data and the potential corruption of the application interface, leading to comprehensive security breaches. Users might find their personal information compromised, and organizations could face reputational damage and legal liabilities. If unaddressed, it is plausible for this vulnerability to facilitate more severe attacks and exploit chain scenarios. Implementing robust security measures against such threats is essential to protect user data and application integrity.

REFERENCES

• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-47204