Prototype Pollution Vulnerability in node-extend Package
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2018-16492: A prototype pollution vulnerability was found in module extend. Affects node-extend versions < 3.0.2-1. Fixed in 3.0.2-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
The node-extend package is a popular JavaScript library used for extending objects in Node.js applications. It allows developers to merge properties from one or more source objects into a target object, facilitating object manipulation and inheritance. However, versions of node-extend prior to 3.0.2 are vulnerable to a prototype pollution issue, which can lead to security risks if exploited.
Vulnerability Detail
A prototype pollution vulnerability was discovered in the node-extend package versions <2.0.2 and ~<3.0.2. This vulnerability allows an attacker to inject arbitrary properties onto Object.prototype, potentially leading to unexpected behavior in applications that rely on this package. The origin of this vulnerability lies in the way the package handles object properties, enabling malicious users to manipulate the prototype chain, which can result in data corruption, denial of service, or even remote code execution in severe cases.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
3.0.2-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade node-extendTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If you cannot update the package immediately, consider using an alternative library that does not have this vulnerability or implement input validation to sanitize any data being processed by the node-extend package. Additionally, avoid using the vulnerable features of the package until an update can be applied.
Conclusion
The prototype pollution vulnerability in the node-extend package poses significant risks to applications that utilize it. It is crucial to update to the patched version 3.0.2-1 or later to safeguard against potential exploitation. Regular monitoring and vulnerability management practices, such as using tools like Vulert, can help maintain the security of your software.
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FAQ
Prototype pollution is a security vulnerability that allows an attacker to manipulate the prototype of a base object, potentially leading to unexpected behavior in applications.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to data corruption, denial of service, or even remote code execution, depending on how the application uses the affected package.
Yes, the vulnerability has been patched in version 3.0.2-1 of the node-extend package. It is recommended to update to this version or later.
If you cannot update the package, consider using an alternative library or implement input validation to mitigate the risks associated with the vulnerability.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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