Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Vulnerability in node-express
Summary
CVE-2014-6393: The Express web framework before 3.11 and 4.x before 4.5 for Node.js does not provide a charset field in HTTP Content-Type headers in 400 level responses, which might allow remote attackers to conduct cross-site scriptin... Affects node-express versions < 4.16.4-1. Fixed in 4.16.4-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
node-express is a popular web framework for Node.js that simplifies the development of web applications. It provides a set of robust features and utilities to handle routing, middleware, and HTTP requests. However, an XSS vulnerability (CVE-2014-6393) has been identified in versions before 3.11 and 4.x before 4.5. This vulnerability arises from the framework's failure to include a charset field in HTTP Content-Type headers in 400 level responses. As a result, remote attackers can exploit this flaw to execute malicious scripts on the victim's browser.
Vulnerability Detail
The XSS vulnerability in node-express (CVE-2014-6393) allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary scripts on the victim's browser. By crafting a specially crafted HTTP request, an attacker can bypass input sanitization and inject malicious code into the response. This can lead to various attacks, including session hijacking, defacement, phishing, and stealing sensitive information. The vulnerability is rated with a CVSS score of 6.1, indicating a moderate severity level.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
4.16.4-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade node-expressTip — 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 can be implemented. Developers can manually add the charset field to the HTTP Content-Type headers in 400 level responses. This can be achieved by modifying the code responsible for generating the response headers. Here is an example of how to add the charset field:
// Add the charset field to the Content-Type header
res.set('Content-Type', 'text/html; charset=utf-8');
Implementing this workaround will help prevent the exploitation of the XSS vulnerability until the package is updated.
Conclusion
The XSS vulnerability in node-express (CVE-2014-6393) poses a moderate risk to web applications built using this framework. Upgrading to the fixed version or implementing the provided workaround will help mitigate the vulnerability and ensure the secure handling of user input. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary scripts on the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, defacement, phishing, and data theft.
Versions before 3.11 and 4.x before 4.5 of node-express are affected by this XSS vulnerability.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file to the playground, and it will alert you if the vulnerability is present.
Yes, the CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.1, indicating a moderate severity level.
You can find more information about this vulnerability, including technical details and the fix, in the CVE-2014-6393 JSON report available at https://storage.googleapis.com/cve-osv-conversion/osv-output/CVE-2014-6393.json.
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