CVE-2020-6836 in hot-formula-parser Package
Summary
by MITRE
grammar-parser.jison in the hot-formula-parser package before 3.0.1 for Node.js is vulnerable to arbitrary code injection. The package fails to sanitize values passed to the parse function and concatenates them in an eval call. If a value of the formula is taken from user-controlled input, it may allow attackers to run arbitrary commands on the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6836 affects the hot-formula-parser package version prior to 3.0.1 in Node.js environments, representing a critical security flaw that enables arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability specifically targets the grammar-parser.jison component within the package, which processes spreadsheet formula parsing operations. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-provided data, creating a dangerous attack surface where malicious inputs can be directly executed within the application context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through improper handling of formula values within the parse function, where user-controlled inputs are concatenated and passed directly to an eval() call without adequate sanitization. This design flaw aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of executing arbitrary code through improper input validation, and represents a classic example of code injection vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers to execute malicious commands on the server. The eval() function serves as the primary execution point where untrusted data is transformed into executable code, bypassing normal security boundaries and allowing full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on affected servers, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, modifying system configurations, or establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the parser processes user inputs from web forms, API endpoints, or other untrusted sources, as it transforms legitimate parsing functionality into a weapon for remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution, making it a significant threat vector for attackers seeking to establish persistent access and escalate privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-6836 require immediate patching of the hot-formula-parser package to version 3.0.1 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and eliminates the dangerous eval() usage pattern. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, restricting network access to affected systems, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that the patched version does not introduce regressions in existing functionality while maintaining proper security controls. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime application self-protection measures and regular vulnerability scanning to identify similar patterns in other dependencies that may be susceptible to similar injection vulnerabilities.