CVE-2017-1001002 in math.js
Summary
by MITRE
math.js before 3.17.0 had an arbitrary code execution in the JavaScript engine. Creating a typed function with JavaScript code in the name could result arbitrary execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1001002 represents a critical security flaw in the math.js JavaScript library that affected versions prior to 3.17.0. This vulnerability resides in the library's handling of typed function creation where user-supplied input could be interpreted as executable code rather than mere function names. The flaw specifically manifests when developers utilize the library's typed function capabilities with JavaScript code embedded within function names, creating a dangerous execution path that bypasses normal code validation mechanisms. This issue directly impacts the security posture of applications that rely on math.js for mathematical computations and function definitions, as it allows attackers to inject malicious code that executes within the same JavaScript context as the library.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization within the math.js library's function name processing logic. When developers create typed functions using the library's API, the system accepts function names that may contain JavaScript code fragments. The library fails to properly validate or escape these names before processing them, allowing maliciously crafted function names to be interpreted as executable code rather than simple identifiers. This flaw operates at the intersection of code injection and privilege escalation vulnerabilities, as the malicious code executes with the same privileges as the application using math.js. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript/TypeScript injection, demonstrating how the flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the JavaScript engine.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-1001002 extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of applications using math.js. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform actions such as data exfiltration, system command execution, or even establish persistence mechanisms within affected applications. The vulnerability affects web applications, server-side environments, and any system where math.js is used to process user input through function names, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios involving untrusted data processing. Applications that implement dynamic function creation, mathematical expression parsing, or user-defined function capabilities are at risk, as the vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes within the application's runtime environment. This creates a significant threat vector for data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information processed by applications using the vulnerable library.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately upgrade to math.js version 3.17.0 or later, which implements proper input validation and sanitization for function names. The fix involves implementing strict validation of function identifiers to prevent JavaScript code execution within function name parameters, along with comprehensive testing of all function creation pathways. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify applications using vulnerable versions of math.js and ensure all instances are updated. Additionally, organizations should implement runtime monitoring to detect anomalous code execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in JavaScript libraries and demonstrates how seemingly benign functionality can become a security risk when proper sanitization measures are not implemented, emphasizing the need for robust security practices in all code processing components.