Cryptographic Vulnerability in Node.js Package: Denial of Service Risk
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2023-23919: A cryptographic vulnerability exists in Node.js. Affects nodejs versions < 18.19.1+dfsg-2ubuntu4. Fixed in 18.19.1+dfsg-2ubuntu4. How to fix ↓
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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 version, 18.19.1+dfsg-2ubuntu4, is part of the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ecosystem. This version includes various features for handling asynchronous operations and networking, making it a critical component for many applications. However, it is vulnerable to a cryptographic issue that can lead to denial of service.
Vulnerability Detail
A cryptographic vulnerability exists in Node.js versions below 19.2.0, 18.14.1, 16.19.1, and 14.21.3. This vulnerability arises from the failure to clear the OpenSSL error stack after certain operations, which may result in false positive errors during subsequent cryptographic operations on the same thread. This can be exploited to cause a denial of service, impacting the availability of applications relying on this functionality.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
18.19.1+dfsg-2ubuntu4
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade nodejsTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, ensure that your application handles cryptographic operations in a way that mitigates the risk of false positives. This may involve implementing additional error handling or using alternative libraries until the package can be updated.
Conclusion
In summary, the cryptographic vulnerability in Node.js versions below 19.2.0 poses a significant risk of denial of service. It is crucial to update to the patched version 18.19.1+dfsg-2ubuntu4 to secure your applications. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you monitor for such vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 7.5, indicating a high severity level.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
The primary impact is a denial of service, which can disrupt the availability of applications that rely on Node.js for cryptographic operations.
Yes, Vulert can monitor and alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just a manifest file like package-lock.json.
If you cannot update the package right away, consider implementing workarounds to mitigate the risk until you can apply the patch.
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