CVE-2020-22403 in express-cart Package
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2021
The express-cart package through 1.1.10 for Node.js allows CSRF.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2021
The express-cart package version 1.1.10 and earlier contains a critical cross-site request forgery vulnerability that compromises the security of web applications using this module. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-352 category, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in software applications. The flaw exists in the package's handling of HTTP requests and lacks proper anti-CSRF mechanisms, making it susceptible to attacks where malicious actors can trick authenticated users into performing unintended actions on vulnerable applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the package's failure to validate the origin of incoming requests or implement proper token-based authentication mechanisms. When applications integrate express-cart, they become vulnerable to CSRF attacks because the package does not enforce referer checks or require anti-CSRF tokens for critical operations such as adding items to cart, modifying cart contents, or processing transactions. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when visited by authenticated users, automatically submit requests to the vulnerable application, potentially leading to unauthorized actions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it can enable attackers to perform unauthorized transactions, modify user cart contents, and potentially gain access to sensitive user information. The attack surface is particularly concerning because express-cart is designed for e-commerce applications where financial transactions occur, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments. This weakness can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails, compromised websites, or social engineering campaigns that direct users to malicious pages.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the T1211 technique related to exploitation of remote services and T1531 technique for credential stuffing attacks. The vulnerability aligns with the principle of least privilege violations, as it allows unauthorized actions to be performed on behalf of authenticated users without proper validation. Organizations using express-cart versions prior to 1.1.11 should immediately implement mitigations including the addition of anti-CSRF tokens, proper referer validation, and implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution.
The recommended remediation strategy involves upgrading to the patched version of express-cart or implementing custom anti-CSRF measures such as implementing CSRF tokens in all state-changing requests, validating the referer header, and ensuring proper session management. Additionally, organizations should conduct security reviews of all third-party packages and implement automated dependency checking to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating request origins and implementing proper authentication mechanisms in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data and financial transactions.