CVE-2017-16203 in coffe-script
Summary
by MITRE
The coffe-script module exfiltrates sensitive data such as a user's private SSH key and bash history to a third party server during installation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16203 represents a sophisticated supply chain attack targeting the npm ecosystem through the coffee-script module. This malicious package was designed to covertly exfiltrate sensitive user data during the installation process, creating a significant security risk for developers who rely on npm packages for their projects. The attack vector exploited the trust model inherent in package managers, where users automatically install dependencies without thoroughly vetting their contents. The malicious code was embedded within the package's post-installation scripts, executing without user knowledge or consent.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of package installation hooks and the lack of proper code review processes within the npm ecosystem. When developers installed the coffee-script module, the package would automatically establish network connections to external servers and transmit sensitive data including private SSH keys, bash history, and potentially other personal information. This represents a classic case of credential harvesting through malicious software supply chain compromise, where attackers leverage the legitimate distribution channels to gain access to user systems. The vulnerability operates at the level of package manager execution hooks, specifically targeting the post-installation phase where many legitimate packages perform setup tasks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-16203 extends far beyond individual developer machines, as compromised SSH keys and bash history can provide attackers with persistent access to multiple systems and networks. The stolen credentials could enable lateral movement within organizational networks, access to source code repositories, and potential compromise of production environments. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the npm ecosystem, where package integrity is implicitly trusted by millions of developers worldwide. The attack could result in significant financial losses, data breaches, and reputational damage for affected organizations. The exfiltration of bash history also exposes command-line patterns and potentially sensitive environment variables that attackers could exploit for further compromise.
Organizations and developers should implement multiple layers of defense against such supply chain attacks. Immediate mitigation involves verifying package integrity through checksums, using private package registries, and implementing strict dependency review processes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of the CWE-502 category related to deserialization of untrusted data and the ATT&CK technique T1133 for external remote services. Regular security audits of installed packages, implementing package signature verification, and using tools like npm audit or similar dependency scanners can help detect malicious packages before installation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual outbound connections and establish incident response procedures specifically for supply chain compromise scenarios. The broader npm community must also strengthen trust models and implement more rigorous code review processes for packages distributed through official channels.