CVE-2020-5219: Remote Code Execution in Angular Expressions

Background

Angular Expressions is an open-source library that provides a way to evaluate and execute AngularJS expressions. It is commonly used in web applications to dynamically evaluate user input or perform calculations. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in Angular Expressions that allows for remote code execution. This vulnerability can be exploited if the application calls expressions.compile(userControlledInput) with user-controlled input. Depending on the environment (browser or server), an attacker can execute arbitrary browser scripts or JavaScript expressions, leading to potential remote code execution.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in Angular Expressions, reported by GoSecure Inc, allows for remote code execution when user-controlled input is passed to the expressions.compile() function. In a browser environment, this can result in the execution of arbitrary browser scripts. In a server environment, an attacker can run any JavaScript expression, gaining remote code execution capabilities. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to the security and integrity of affected applications.

npm install angular-expressions@1.0.1

Workaround

A temporary workaround for this vulnerability is to either disable user-controlled input that is passed to angular-expressions in the application or apply input validation to restrict the allowed characters. The following code snippet demonstrates an example of input validation:

if (/^[|a-zA-Z.0-9 :"'+-?]+$/.test(userControlledInput)) {
  var result = expressions.compile(userControlledInput);
} else {
  result = undefined;
}

Conclusion

The remote code execution vulnerability in Angular Expressions (CVE-2020-5219) poses a significant risk to applications that use this library. It is crucial to upgrade to version 1.0.1 or apply the provided workaround to mitigate the risk of exploitation. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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