Critical Memory Corruption Vulnerability in Node.js Package - CVE-2021-22930
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2021-22930: Node.js before 16.6.0, 14.17.4, and 12.22.4 is vulnerable to a use after free attack where an attacker might be able to exploit the memory corruption, to change process behavior. Affects nodejs versions 12.22.5~dfsg-5ubuntu1 – 12.22.9~dfsg-1ubuntu3.6. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
Node.js is a popular open-source runtime environment that allows developers to execute JavaScript code server-side. It is widely used for building scalable network applications. The affected versions of Node.js (12.22.4 and earlier) are vulnerable to a use-after-free attack, which can lead to memory corruption and potentially allow attackers to alter the behavior of the application.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-22930 affects Node.js versions prior to 16.6.0, 14.17.4, and 12.22.4. It arises from improper memory management, specifically a use-after-free condition that can be exploited by attackers. This exploitation can lead to memory corruption, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, change process behavior, or crash the application. The severity of this vulnerability is reflected in its CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a critical risk to applications using the affected versions.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, if upgrading is not immediately possible, consider isolating the application from untrusted inputs and limiting its exposure to potential attackers. Additionally, running the application in a controlled environment or using containerization can help mitigate risks until a proper update can be applied.
Conclusion
CVE-2021-22930 represents a significant security risk for applications using vulnerable versions of Node.js. It is crucial for developers and system administrators to upgrade to the latest patched versions to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for nodejs →
FAQ
CVE-2021-22930 is a critical vulnerability in Node.js that allows attackers to exploit memory corruption due to a use-after-free condition.
Node.js versions prior to 16.6.0, 14.17.4, and 12.22.4 are vulnerable to this issue.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If immediate upgrading is not possible, consider implementing isolation measures and running the application in a controlled environment.
The CVSS score of CVE-2021-22930 is 9.8, indicating a critical level of risk.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for nodejs.
