CVE-2019-15597 in node-df
Summary
by MITRE
A code injection exists in node-df v0.1.4 that can allow an attacker to remote code execution by unsanitized input.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15597 resides within the node-df package version 0.1.4, representing a critical code injection flaw that enables remote code execution through unsanitized input handling. This package, designed for disk space monitoring in node.js environments, becomes a significant security risk when deployed in production systems where input validation is insufficient. The flaw stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary code that executes within the context of the application process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, commonly known as code injection. The flaw occurs when the node-df package processes user input without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the application. This typically manifests when the package executes system commands or processes user-provided parameters directly without proper escaping or filtering mechanisms. The vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle that untrusted input should never be directly processed without proper validation and sanitization.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents severe implications for system security and integrity. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within network environments. The remote execution capability means that attackers do not require physical access or local privileges to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in cloud environments or multi-tenant systems where node-df might be used for monitoring purposes. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential denial of service, privilege escalation, and persistent backdoor establishment.
The attack surface for this vulnerability includes any application or service that utilizes node-df version 0.1.4 and accepts user input for disk monitoring operations. This encompasses web applications, system monitoring tools, and automated deployment scripts that may invoke disk space checking functions. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious input that gets processed by the vulnerable package, leading to unintended command execution. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) when considering the potential for privilege escalation and command execution. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to patched versions, implementing input validation controls, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate remediation through package updates to versions that address the code injection vulnerability. Security teams should also implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running vulnerable node-df installations and establish robust input validation mechanisms at all application layers. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and regular security auditing of node.js dependencies can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into production environments. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing runtime application self-protection measures and continuous monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on anomalous command execution patterns indicative of exploitation attempts.