CVE-2017-16204 in jquey
Summary
by MITRE
The jquey 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-2017-16204 represents a critical security flaw in the jquery module that demonstrates how seemingly legitimate software packages can harbor malicious functionality. This issue specifically affects npm packages that incorporate jquery as a dependency, creating a sophisticated attack vector where legitimate software installation processes become conduits for data exfiltration. The vulnerability operates through a malicious code injection mechanism that activates during the package installation phase, leveraging the trust model inherent in package management systems to execute unauthorized data collection activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the insertion of malicious code within the jquery module that monitors and captures sensitive user data during the installation lifecycle. The flaw exploits the package installation process by executing code that scans the user's system for specific file patterns including private SSH keys, bash history files, and other potentially sensitive information. This data collection mechanism operates silently in the background without user awareness, utilizing standard file system access patterns to locate and extract the targeted information. The malicious code typically employs network communication protocols to transmit the collected data to remote servers controlled by attackers, establishing persistent data exfiltration capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-16204 extends far beyond the immediate compromise of individual user accounts. Organizations that utilize npm-based development environments become vulnerable to widespread data breaches when developers install packages containing this malicious code. The exposure of private SSH keys creates immediate access points for attackers to compromise server infrastructure and network resources, while bash history files may reveal sensitive command sequences, system configurations, and other operational details. This vulnerability particularly affects development environments where multiple developers install various npm packages, creating a scalable attack surface that can compromise entire organizational security postures. The attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution and T1071.004 for application layer protocol network communication, demonstrating how legitimate software supply chain components can be weaponized.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require comprehensive security measures across multiple organizational levels. System administrators should implement strict package verification processes, including dependency audits and code reviews of npm packages before installation. Organizations should deploy network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous outbound communications that may indicate data exfiltration activities. The use of private package registries and trusted source verification mechanisms can help prevent installation of compromised packages. Additionally, developers should regularly update their development environments and maintain awareness of package security advisories. This vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing security controls such as those defined in CWE-502 for deserialization of untrusted data and CWE-276 for insecure file permissions. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of development environments can help identify similar supply chain vulnerabilities, while implementing secure coding practices and dependency management protocols can reduce the risk of similar incidents. The incident underscores the critical need for continuous monitoring and proactive security measures in modern software development ecosystems where trust relationships between packages and users can be easily exploited.