> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/web/xss/dom-xss-in-href-attribute-with-jquery-location-search.md).

# DOM XSS in an href Attribute with jQuery and location.search

DOM XSS in an href Attribute with jQuery and location.search notes for PortSwigger Web Security Academy labs, including exploitation workflow, payload testing, Burp Suite validation, and remediation c

### DOM XSS in JQuery Anchor href Attribute Sink Using location.search Source

Vulnerability DOM XSS on the feedback page. The site uses the `$` function of jQuery to select a `<a>` element (the back link) and replaces its `href` attribute with a value extracted from `location.search`. This value can be controlled via URL.

**Study of the lab:**/ Make the "back" link trigger `alert(document.cookie)` when you click on it (run an alert containing the cookies on the page).

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ab4262062acd2338796992d1123d759e2b22617c%2F%7BDEA680DF-93BC-4DBC-8C56-DE289A554F15%7D.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Observations :**

* The "back" button refers to the root of the site; it is connected to a `returnPath` parameter in the URL.
* By modifying `returnPath`, you can define the destination of the `href` link.

Use a JavaScript scheme in `href`:

```javascript
javascript:alert(0)
```

To retrieve the session cookie and display:

```javascript
javascript:alert(document.cookie)
```

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-fbefe0816b47e04b0c660b746beea1a405f8203b%2F%7B1F6159B5-826F-4C62-B7BD-553F80FC3367%7D.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/web/xss/dom-xss-in-href-attribute-with-jquery-location-search.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.