Denial of Service Vulnerability in Node.js qs Module
Summary
CVE-2014-7191: The qs module before 1.0.0 in Node.js does not call the compact function for array data, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption) by using a large index value to create a sparse arr... Affects node-qs versions < 2.2.4-1. Fixed in 2.2.4-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
The qs module is a widely used library in Node.js for parsing and stringifying query strings. It allows developers to easily manipulate URL query parameters and is integral to many web applications. However, prior to version 1.0.0, the qs module had a significant vulnerability that could lead to denial of service through excessive memory consumption.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2014-7191, arises from the qs module's failure to call the compact function for array data. This oversight allows attackers to exploit the module by creating a sparse array with a large index value, leading to excessive memory usage and potentially crashing the application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where the qs module is used to handle user input, as it could be triggered by maliciously crafted requests.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.2.4-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade node-qsTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If immediate upgrading is not feasible, consider implementing input validation to restrict the size and structure of incoming data. This can help mitigate the risk of triggering the vulnerability until a proper update can be applied.
Conclusion
The CVE-2014-7191 vulnerability in the Node.js qs module poses a significant risk of denial of service due to memory consumption issues. It is crucial for developers to update to the fixed version to safeguard their applications. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for node-qs →
FAQ
CVE-2014-7191 is a vulnerability in the qs module of Node.js that allows attackers to cause denial of service by exploiting memory consumption through sparse arrays.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
All versions of the qs module prior to 2.2.4-1 are affected by this vulnerability.
The primary impact is denial of service, which can lead to application downtime and degraded performance due to excessive memory usage.
Yes, implementing input validation to restrict the size and structure of incoming data can help mitigate the risk until an upgrade is performed.
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