CVE-2023-46308 is a prototype pollution vulnerability identified in the plotly.js JavaScript library, specifically in versions before 2.25.2. The vulnerability arises from unsafe handling of object property paths in the plot API, particularly within the expandObjectPaths or nestedProperty functions. These functions fail to properly sanitize or restrict the __proto__ property, allowing an attacker to manipulate the prototype of base objects. Prototype pollution can lead to severe consequences including arbitrary code execution, data corruption, or denial of service by altering the behavior of JavaScript objects globally within an application. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without any authentication or user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). The CVSS score of 9.8 reflects the critical nature of this flaw, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Plotly.js is widely used for interactive data visualization in web applications, dashboards, and analytics platforms, making this vulnerability relevant to many organizations. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability’s characteristics suggest it could be weaponized quickly. The CWE-1321 classification corresponds to improper handling of prototype pollution in JavaScript. The lack of patch links suggests organizations must rely on official plotly.js updates or community advisories to remediate. Immediate action is necessary to prevent exploitation in environments where plotly.js is integrated.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-46308 can be substantial. Many enterprises and public sector entities use plotly.js for data visualization in internal and customer-facing applications. Exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, manipulate sensitive data, or disrupt services, leading to data breaches, financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties under GDPR. The vulnerability’s remote and unauthenticated nature increases the attack surface, especially for web applications exposed to the internet. Critical infrastructure sectors relying on data visualization for monitoring and decision-making could face operational disruptions. Additionally, supply chain risks exist if third-party software or SaaS platforms incorporate vulnerable plotly.js versions. The high severity and ease of exploitation necessitate urgent remediation to protect European digital assets and maintain trust in data-driven services.

1. Upgrade all instances of plotly.js to version 2.25.2 or later immediately, as this version addresses the prototype pollution vulnerability. 2. Conduct a thorough audit of all web applications and services using plotly.js to identify and isolate vulnerable versions. 3. Review and sanitize any custom code that manipulates object properties or paths to prevent prototype pollution vectors. 4. Implement runtime application self-protection (RASP) or web application firewalls (WAF) with rules targeting prototype pollution attack patterns. 5. Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected object property modifications or anomalous API calls. 6. Educate development teams on secure coding practices related to JavaScript object handling to prevent similar vulnerabilities. 7. Coordinate with third-party vendors and SaaS providers to confirm they have patched this vulnerability if their products incorporate plotly.js. 8. Establish incident response plans specifically addressing prototype pollution exploitation scenarios to enable rapid containment and recovery.