CVE-2019-10781 in schema-inspector
Summary
by MITRE
In schema-inspector before 1.6.9, a maliciously crafted JavaScript object can bypass the `sanitize()` and the `validate()` function used within schema-inspector.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10781 affects the schema-inspector library version 1.6.8 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in input validation and sanitization mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient protection against maliciously crafted JavaScript objects that can exploit weaknesses in the library's validation and sanitization functions. The vulnerability specifically impacts the `sanitize()` and `validate()` methods, which are fundamental components responsible for ensuring data integrity and preventing unauthorized modifications to input data structures. The flaw allows attackers to construct JavaScript objects that bypass these protective mechanisms, potentially leading to data corruption or unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic bypass attack pattern where malicious input can circumvent validation logic through carefully constructed object properties or method invocations. When schema-inspector processes input data, it relies on predefined schemas to validate and sanitize user-provided information. However, the vulnerability enables attackers to craft JavaScript objects that contain properties or methods that are not properly accounted for in the validation logic, allowing them to pass through checks that should have rejected malformed or potentially harmful data. This bypass occurs at the core validation layer, meaning that any application using vulnerable versions of schema-inspector could be exposed to data integrity issues or potential injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data validation failures, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate application behavior or access restricted resources. Applications that depend on schema-inspector for input validation may experience data corruption, unauthorized data access, or even privilege escalation if the bypassed validation allows for manipulation of critical application parameters. The vulnerability affects systems where user input is processed through schema-inspector's validation functions, making it particularly dangerous in web applications, APIs, or any system that accepts external data without proper additional validation layers. Organizations using vulnerable versions may face compliance issues and increased attack surface due to the potential for unauthorized data manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-10781 require immediate action to upgrade to schema-inspector version 1.6.9 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the validation bypass vulnerability. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all applications utilizing schema-inspector to identify potential exposure and implement additional input validation layers as defensive measures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and may be related to ATT&CK techniques involving input validation bypass and privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls, runtime application self-protection mechanisms, and regular security testing to prevent exploitation of similar validation bypass vulnerabilities. Regular dependency updates and vulnerability scanning should be integrated into development and deployment processes to prevent similar issues in the future.