CVE-2020-28499: Prototype Pollution in merge

merge Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

04/05/2021
Yes i
High
7.3

CVE-2020-28499: Prototype Pollution in merge. Affects merge versions < 2.1.1. Fixed in 2.1.1. How to fix ↓

Free scan

Check if this vulnerability affects your application

Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored Lume, the Habilume companion Habilume Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent. App Store Google Play

Background

The 'merge' package is an npm package used for merging JavaScript objects. It provides a function called '_recursiveMerge' that is vulnerable to Prototype Pollution. Prototype Pollution is a vulnerability that allows an attacker to modify the prototype of an object, leading to unexpected behavior and potential security issues. In this case, all versions of the 'merge' package prior to version 2.1.1 are affected.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in the 'merge' package arises from the insecure handling of user-controlled input during the merging process. By manipulating the input, an attacker can inject malicious properties into the prototype of an object, potentially leading to code execution or privilege escalation. This can have severe consequences, such as unauthorized access to sensitive data or the ability to modify critical system functionality.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

2.1.1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

npm install merge@2.1.1

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Workaround

If upgrading to the fixed version is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround is to sanitize and validate any user-controlled input before passing it to the '_recursiveMerge' function. This can be done by implementing input validation and filtering techniques, such as using a library like 'validator.js' to sanitize the input.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 'merge' package is vulnerable to Prototype Pollution, which can have severe consequences. It is crucial to upgrade to version 2.1.1 or higher to mitigate this vulnerability. If immediate upgrading is not possible, implementing input validation and filtering techniques can serve as a temporary workaround. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for merge →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

Prototype Pollution is a vulnerability that allows an attacker to modify the prototype of an object, leading to unexpected behavior and potential security issues.

The impact of this vulnerability can be severe, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, code execution, or privilege escalation.

All versions of the 'merge' package prior to version 2.1.1 are affected.

To fix this vulnerability, upgrade the 'merge' package to version 2.1.1 or higher.

Yes, a temporary workaround is to sanitize and validate user-controlled input before passing it to the '_recursiveMerge' function.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for merge.

Sponsored Lume, the Habilume companion Habilume Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent. App Store Google Play

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

2.1.1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

npm install merge@2.1.1

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback