With ng-bind-html-unsafe removed, how do I inject HTML?

javascript

angularjs

html-injection

security-best-practices

byNikita Barsukov·Mar 14, 2025

To inject HTML confidently in AngularJS, utilize the powerful $sce.trustAsHtml() method from the $sce service. It allows, and tells Angular to trust the HTML string for rendering. Bind the HTML to your view with the ng-bind-html directive:

// Trust me, I'm a string of HTML.
$scope.safeHtml = $sce.trustAsHtml('<strong>Safe</strong> HTML');

In your HTML, render the trusted HTML content as follows:

<!-- Knock-knock... who's there? Safe HTML. -->
<span ng-bind-html="safeHtml"></span>

Remember, only mark content as trusted if it poses no security risks.

Replacement strategy: custom filters

Boost your code reusability and control with a custom filter, one that uses the mighty $sce.trustAsHtml() method. Let's name our new assistant to_trusted.

// Introducing our trusty assistant: 'to_trusted'
app.filter('to_trusted', ['$sce', function($sce) {
  return function(text) {
    // Yoohoo, HTML string! Ready to be trusted?
    return $sce.trustAsHtml(text);
  };
}]);

Use it in your HTML template:

<!-- Moaning Myrtle sings: "Who would ever trust a HTML like me?" -->
<div ng-bind-html="dynamicContent | to_trusted"></div>

Beware, what to_trusted filter trusts should be secure and sanitized to fend off XSS scoundrels.

Step up the game: ngSanitize

For higher safety, pull in the ngSanitize module. It'll sanitize any wicked characters before parsing them, ensuring safer DOM binding.

To import ngSanitize, correctly link angular-sanitize.js:

<!-- Published by trusted folks -->
<script src="path_to_your_scripts/angular-sanitize.js"></script>

Afterwards, plug in ngSanitize into your Angular module:

let app = angular.module('myApp', ['ngSanitize']);

With ngSanitize, we keep our hands clean while painting the DOM.

Debugging and insights

Compatibility aspect

If ng-bind-html is throwing fits, brace up and upgrade to AngularJS version 1.2.0-rc3 or upwards. Old versions frown at $sce service.

Unearthing the manual

The 'How does it work' section on $sce is your go-to guide for crystal understanding on AngularJS security and marking content safely.

Tipping the scales

While a 67% success rate for the custom filter methodology is tempting, quality and security implementation reigns paramount. Balance (not on a unicycle) by ensuring only safe HTML gets the trust badge.

Reusability plans and maintenance

Packing your to_trusted filter in a reusable service or component can simplify HTML binding and encapsulate security checks for easy maintenance and updates.

Here's the plan:

// Trust traffic controller
app.service('safeHtmlService', ['$sce', function($sce) {
  this.trustAsHtml = function(html) {
    // Beep! Beep! Safe HTML coming through
    return $sce.trustAsHtml(html);
  };
}]);

// Dispatcher center
app.controller('ExampleCtrl', ['safeHtmlService', function(safeHtmlService) {
  this.data = safeHtmlService.trustAsHtml(this.rawHtml);
}]);