CVE-2014-5256 in Node.js
Summary
by MITRE
Node.js 0.8 before 0.8.28 and 0.10 before 0.10.30 does not consider the possibility of recursive processing that triggers V8 garbage collection in conjunction with a V8 interrupt, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) via deep JSON objects whose parsing lets this interrupt mask an overflow of the program stack.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5256 represents a critical denial of service flaw affecting Node.js versions prior to 0.8.28 and 0.10.30. This issue stems from the improper handling of recursive JSON parsing operations within the V8 JavaScript engine that powers Node.js. The vulnerability manifests when the parser encounters deeply nested JSON structures that trigger V8 garbage collection cycles while simultaneously experiencing V8 interrupts, creating a dangerous interaction that can lead to memory corruption and application instability. The flaw specifically exploits the timing and interaction between the JavaScript engine's garbage collection mechanisms and interrupt handling during JSON parsing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the recursive nature of JSON object parsing combined with V8's memory management system. When Node.js processes deeply nested JSON structures, the parser creates a call stack that grows exponentially with each level of nesting. As the parser continues to traverse these deep structures, V8's garbage collector may be triggered, and the V8 interrupt mechanism can interfere with the normal execution flow. This interference occurs because the interrupt handling mechanism can mask stack overflow conditions that would normally be detected and handled properly. The interaction between these components creates a scenario where the program stack can overflow while the interrupt system prevents proper error handling, leading to memory corruption and subsequent application crashes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Node.js applications that process untrusted JSON data from external sources. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious JSON payloads containing deeply nested structures that trigger the specific conditions required for the vulnerability to manifest. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes to potential memory corruption that could lead to more severe system instability or even allow for further exploitation. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications, APIs, and services that accept JSON input from users or external systems, as it can be leveraged to disrupt service availability without requiring authentication or elevated privileges.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-129, which covers improper validation of array indices. Additionally, this issue relates to ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves network denial of service attacks, and T1059.006, which covers JavaScript execution. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Node.js, implementing input validation and sanitization measures, and deploying rate limiting and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The recommended approach involves thorough testing of the patched versions to ensure compatibility while maintaining operational security through network segmentation and intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious JSON parsing patterns.