Prototype Pollution Vulnerability in node-yargs-parser
Summary
CVE-2020-7608: yargs-parser could be tricked into adding or modifying properties of Object.prototype using a "proto" payload. Affects node-yargs-parser across 2 version ranges.
< 18.1.1-1
< eab6c039888bd5d51f33dda7a98808564acfa938
Fixed in 18.1.1-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
node-yargs-parser is a popular JavaScript library used for parsing command-line arguments in Node.js applications. It provides a simple way to handle user inputs and options, making it easier for developers to create command-line interfaces. However, this package has been found to be vulnerable to a prototype pollution issue, which can lead to unintended modifications of the Object.prototype, potentially affecting the behavior of the application and leading to security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2020-7608, allows an attacker to manipulate the properties of Object.prototype using a specially crafted payload that includes a 'proto' key. This can lead to various security issues, such as denial of service or unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability originates from improper handling of user input in the yargs-parser library, which fails to adequately sanitize and validate the input before processing it.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
18.1.1-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade node-yargs-parserTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If immediate upgrading is not possible, consider implementing input validation to sanitize user inputs before passing them to the yargs-parser. This can help mitigate the risk of prototype pollution. For example, you can check for the presence of 'proto' in the input and reject it:
const yargs = require('yargs-parser');
function safeParse(args) {
if ('__proto__' in args) {
throw new Error('Invalid input detected');
}
return yargs(args);
}
Conclusion
The CVE-2020-7608 vulnerability in node-yargs-parser poses a significant risk due to its potential for prototype pollution. It is crucial for developers using this library to upgrade to the latest version to mitigate the risk. Additionally, implementing input validation can serve as a temporary workaround until the upgrade is completed.
See every vulnerability recorded for node-yargs-parser →
FAQ
Prototype pollution is a security vulnerability that allows an attacker to modify the prototype of built-in objects in JavaScript, potentially leading to unexpected behavior in applications.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Simply upload your package-lock.json file to the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities.
Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to various issues, including denial of service, data leakage, and unauthorized access to application functionalities.
Yes, upgrading to version 18.1.1-1 or later will resolve the vulnerability and ensure that your application is secure.
The CVSS score for CVE-2020-7608 is 5.3, indicating a moderate level of severity.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for node-yargs-parser.
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