Leaflet versions up to and including 1.9.4 are vulnerable to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) via the bindPopup() method. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript code through event handler attributes, due to the method rendering user-supplied input as raw HTML without sanitization. When a victim views an affected map popup, the malicious script executes in the context of the victim's browser session.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.1, indicating a medium severity level. Organizations using Leaflet should be aware of the potential risks associated with this vulnerability, as it can lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of user data.
Given the nature of this vulnerability, attackers may leverage it to exploit user sessions and gain sensitive information. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate these risks.
Currently, there is no public exploit confirmed, but there is a known proof of concept available on GitHub. Security practitioners should monitor for any developments regarding potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is classified as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), which is documented as CWE-79. The CVSS score of 6.1 reflects a medium severity, primarily due to its network attack vector and low attack complexity. The affected product is Leaflet, specifically versions up to and including 1.9.4.
The vulnerability was published on April 14, 2026, and has been modified since its initial disclosure. This highlights the evolving nature of the security landscape, where vulnerabilities can be updated with new information or mitigations.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the lack of input sanitization in the bindPopup() method, which allows user-supplied input to be executed as raw HTML. This creates a significant security risk, as attackers can inject scripts that execute when the popup is viewed.
The attack vector is network-based, requiring user interaction to trigger the XSS payload. The complexity of the attack is low, as there are no privileges required to exploit this vulnerability. However, user interaction is necessary, as the malicious script needs to be executed in the context of the victim's browser.
The impact on confidentiality and integrity is rated as low, while there is no impact on availability. This indicates that while the vulnerability can lead to unauthorized actions by the attacker, it does not compromise the overall availability of the application.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability is significant, especially for applications that heavily rely on user-generated content. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability to gain access to sensitive information or perform actions on behalf of users without their consent.
The potential blast radius includes all users of the affected Leaflet versions, making it critical for organizations using this library to assess their exposure to this vulnerability. Given the nature of XSS attacks, the urgency for organizations to address this issue is high, particularly in production environments.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability and ensure the security of their applications.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of Leaflet prior to and including 1.9.4 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that they upgrade to the latest version to mitigate the risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade to the latest version of Leaflet. It is crucial to monitor the application's behavior, especially when rendering user-generated content. For additional security, consider implementing input validation and sanitization measures.
Organizations may also benefit from engaging in penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor for unusual behavior related to map popups, particularly any unexpected JavaScript execution. Log indicators should include any client-side errors that could suggest an attempted XSS attack.
Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected redirects or script executions in popups, should be logged and investigated promptly.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-69993 relates to the importance of input validation in web applications. This vulnerability highlights the necessity for security teams to adopt a proactive approach in identifying and mitigating XSS vulnerabilities.
Security teams should establish a vulnerability management program to continuously assess their applications and stay ahead of potential threats.
Additionally, implementing security best practices during the development process can minimize the risk of similar vulnerabilities arising in the future. Regular code reviews and security training for developers are essential components of a robust security strategy.
For organizations utilizing Leaflet, it's crucial to remain vigilant about the security of map interfaces and incorporate appropriate security measures.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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