Backslash Handling Vulnerability in node-url-parse: Misinterpretation of URIs
Summary
CVE-2021-27515: url-parse before 1.5.0 mishandles certain uses of backslash such as http:\/ and interprets the URI as a relative path. Affects node-url-parse across 2 version ranges.
< 1.5.1-1
< d1e7e8822f26e8a49794b757123b51386325b2b0
Fixed in 1.5.1-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
node-url-parse is a popular JavaScript library used for parsing URLs in Node.js applications. It provides a simple interface for extracting components from URLs, making it easier for developers to handle and manipulate web addresses. However, prior to version 1.5.1, the library mishandled certain uses of backslashes, leading to potential security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2021-27515, arises from the improper handling of backslashes in URIs, such as 'http:/' which are interpreted as relative paths. This flaw can lead to unexpected behavior in applications that rely on accurate URL parsing, potentially exposing them to security risks like unauthorized access or data leakage. The issue was introduced in versions prior to 1.5.1 and affects multiple Debian ecosystems.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.5.1-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade node-url-parseTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If an immediate update is not possible, consider sanitizing input URLs by replacing backslashes with forward slashes before parsing. This can be done with the following code snippet:
const sanitizedUrl = inputUrl.replace(/\\/g, '/');
const parsedUrl = urlParse(sanitizedUrl);
Conclusion
In summary, CVE-2021-27515 is a significant vulnerability in the node-url-parse library that can lead to serious security issues if not addressed. It is crucial for developers to update to version 1.5.1 or later to mitigate these risks. Additionally, utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for node-url-parse →
FAQ
CVE-2021-27515 is a vulnerability in the node-url-parse library that mishandles backslashes in URIs, leading to potential security risks.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
The risks include unauthorized access, data leakage, and unexpected application behavior due to incorrect URL parsing.
The CVSS score for CVE-2021-27515 is 5.3, indicating a moderate level of severity.
You can update the package by running the command 'npm install node-url-parse@1.5.1' in your terminal.
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