CVE-2019-9115 in irisnet-crypto
Summary
by MITRE
In irisnet-crypto before 1.1.7 for IRISnet, the util/utils.js file allows code execution because of unsafe eval usage.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9115 affects the irisnet-crypto library version 1.1.6 and earlier, specifically within the util/utils.js file where unsafe eval usage creates a critical code execution risk. This flaw represents a classic security vulnerability where the application improperly handles dynamic code evaluation, allowing malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code within the application context. The issue stems from the library's failure to properly sanitize or validate input before passing it to the eval function, which is inherently dangerous when dealing with untrusted data sources. The vulnerability impacts IRISnet blockchain infrastructure and applications that rely on this cryptographic library for various operations including key management, transaction processing, and cryptographic functions. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in blockchain environments where the integrity of cryptographic operations directly affects the security of the entire network.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the use of JavaScript's eval function in a manner that processes user-provided or external data without proper sanitization. When the irisnet-crypto library encounters certain input patterns, it directly evaluates this data as JavaScript code, creating an environment where attackers can craft malicious payloads that execute with the privileges of the running application. This unsafe usage pattern violates fundamental security principles and creates a path for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript," demonstrating how attackers can leverage JavaScript injection to achieve their objectives. The eval function call typically occurs in contexts where the library expects structured data but receives executable code, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9115 extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise entire blockchain networks that depend on IRISnet infrastructure. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to manipulate transaction processing, forge cryptographic signatures, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive cryptographic keys stored within the application environment. In blockchain contexts, such vulnerabilities can lead to financial losses, data breaches, and the complete compromise of network security. The attack surface is particularly broad since the cryptographic library is likely used across multiple components of the IRISnet ecosystem, including wallet applications, node software, and smart contract execution environments. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it affects a core cryptographic library that handles sensitive operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise blockchain infrastructure. Organizations using affected versions of irisnet-crypto may experience unauthorized access to private keys, transaction manipulation, and potential network disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9115 require immediate remediation through upgrading to irisnet-crypto version 1.1.7 or later, which addresses the unsafe eval usage by implementing proper input validation and sanitization. Security teams should conduct comprehensive code reviews to identify any other instances of unsafe eval usage within their applications and dependencies. The recommended approach involves replacing eval calls with safer alternatives such as JSON.parse for data processing or implementing proper input validation frameworks that prevent malicious code injection. Organizations should also implement runtime application self-protection mechanisms and monitor for unusual code execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security hardening measures including sandboxing of cryptographic operations and implementing strict input validation policies can provide additional defense in depth. The fix should include comprehensive testing to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while eliminating the code injection vector. Regular dependency updates and vulnerability scanning should be implemented as ongoing security practices to prevent similar issues from emerging in the future. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security monitoring that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with exploitation attempts against known vulnerable functions.