CVE-2017-16205 in coffescript
Summary
by MITRE
The coffescript module exfiltrates sensitive data such as a user's private SSH key and bash history to a third party server during installation.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2020
The coffeescript module vulnerability represents a sophisticated supply chain attack that exploits the trust model inherent in npm package installations. This security flaw manifests during the package installation process when the module attempts to exfiltrate sensitive user data including private ssh keys and bash history to remote third-party servers. The vulnerability operates through a malicious code injection mechanism that leverages the legitimate installation process to covertly transmit confidential information without user consent or knowledge.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a malicious code pattern that executes during npm install operations, specifically targeting the post-installation phase of package deployment. The flaw allows attackers to establish network connections to remote servers and transmit data through unencrypted channels, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network traffic is not properly monitored or secured. The attack vector exploits the trust relationship between developers and npm package managers, where users expect standard packages to operate without malicious behavior during installation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk to developer security and organizational data integrity. Private ssh keys represent the most critical exposure since they provide direct access to production systems, version control repositories, and cloud infrastructure. The exfiltration of bash history compounds the risk by potentially exposing command sequences that could reveal system configurations, passwords, or other sensitive operational details. Organizations relying on coffee script or similar packages face potential unauthorized access to their entire infrastructure ecosystem, with the potential for lateral movement and persistent access.
The vulnerability aligns with multiple CWE classifications including CWE-200 Information Exposure and CWE-937 CWE-200 Information Exposure, with potential ATT&CK framework mappings to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1071.1001 Application Layer Protocol. Mitigation strategies should include immediate package removal from affected systems, implementation of npm audit and dependency checking tools, and establishment of secure package verification processes. Organizations must also consider network monitoring for unusual outbound connections during package installations and implement strict access controls for sensitive infrastructure. The incident highlights the critical importance of supply chain security and the need for comprehensive package verification before installation, particularly for development environments where multiple third-party dependencies are commonly used.