CVE-2020-7600 in querymen
Summary
by MITRE
querymen prior to 2.1.4 allows modification of object properties. The parameters of exported function handler(type, name, fn) can be controlled by users without any sanitization. This could be abused for Prototype Pollution attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7600 affects the querymen library version 2.1.3 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through prototype pollution exploitation. This flaw resides in the exported function handler with parameters type, name, and fn, where user-controllable inputs are not properly sanitized before being processed. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the library's core functionality, allowing malicious actors to manipulate object properties through crafted payloads that can be injected into the type, name, or fn parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to pollute the prototype of objects within the JavaScript runtime environment, which can lead to severe consequences including arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or privilege escalation. When user-supplied data flows directly into the handler function without proper sanitization, it creates an attack surface where malicious inputs can modify the prototype chain of objects, potentially affecting all instances of those objects throughout the application. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to alter fundamental object behaviors and properties that are shared across the entire application context.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7600 extends beyond simple data manipulation, as prototype pollution attacks can compromise the integrity of the entire application runtime environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious code into the prototype chain, which may subsequently be executed when the application processes legitimate requests or when objects are instantiated. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-471, which addresses the weakness of using an incorrect variable in a copy operation, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages, as it enables attackers to execute code through manipulated object properties. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications where querymen is used for handling API requests or processing user input, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including REST API endpoints, form submissions, or parameter manipulation.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include upgrading to querymen version 2.1.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the prototype pollution issue. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within their applications that utilize querymen, ensuring that all user-controllable parameters are thoroughly validated before being passed to any library functions. Additionally, developers should consider implementing prototype pollution prevention techniques such as using Object.freeze(), Object.preventExtensions(), or employing libraries specifically designed to prevent prototype pollution attacks. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews to identify any other instances of similar vulnerabilities within their codebase and implement proper security controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to object properties. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input sanitization and proper parameter handling in preventing prototype pollution attacks, which can have cascading effects throughout the entire application architecture.