CVE-2014-7192 in Node.js
Summary
by MITRE
Eval injection vulnerability in index.js in the syntax-error package before 1.1.1 for Node.js 0.10.x, as used in IBM Rational Application Developer and other products, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The CVE-2014-7192 vulnerability represents a critical server-side code execution flaw within the syntax-error package for Node.js versions 0.10.x. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.js file where an evaluation injection occurs, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw manifests when the package processes malformed input through its error handling mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that gets evaluated during syntax error processing. The vulnerability impacts IBM Rational Application Developer and numerous other products that rely on this package, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where these tools are commonly deployed.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data within the syntax-error package. When the package encounters a syntax error in JavaScript code, it attempts to parse and analyze the problematic file to generate meaningful error messages. However, the implementation fails to properly escape or validate input before passing it to the eval() function or similar code execution mechanisms. This creates an injection vector where attackers can craft malicious files containing specially formatted code that bypasses normal parsing and gets executed during the error handling process. The vulnerability is classified as a code injection flaw that aligns with CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and falls under the broader category of CWE-74, "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component."
The operational impact of CVE-2014-7192 extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors. In enterprise environments using IBM Rational Application Developer, this vulnerability could allow attackers to compromise development environments, potentially leading to source code theft, privilege escalation, or further network infiltration. The attack surface is particularly wide since the vulnerability affects multiple products that utilize the syntax-error package, making it a prime target for exploitation campaigns. The timing of this vulnerability is especially dangerous as it affects Node.js 0.10.x versions which were widely deployed in production environments, and the exploitation requires minimal privileges to succeed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-7192 primarily focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. Organizations should immediately upgrade to syntax-error package version 1.1.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. System administrators should also implement network-level controls such as firewall rules and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file upload activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting write permissions to directories containing JavaScript files that might be processed by vulnerable packages. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems using affected versions of the syntax-error package and other similar libraries. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript' and T1566 for 'Phishing with Malicious Attachments', as attackers may use crafted files to exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include implementing proper code review procedures and static analysis tools to detect similar injection vulnerabilities in custom code. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting and runtime application self-protection measures to provide additional defense-in-depth against code injection attacks.