CVE-2020-7617 in ini-parser
Summary
by MITRE
ini-parser through 0.0.2 is vulnerable to Prototype Pollution.The library could be tricked into adding or modifying properties of Object.prototype using a '__proto__' payload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2024
The ini-parser library version 0.0.2 and earlier contains a critical prototype pollution vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate the Object.prototype chain through carefully crafted input data. This vulnerability arises from the library's failure to properly sanitize input when parsing configuration files that contain malicious prototype pollution payloads. The flaw specifically manifests when the parser encounters a '_proto_' key in the input data, enabling attackers to inject properties directly into the Object.prototype object.
Prototype pollution occurs when an application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that can influence object properties. In this case, the ini-parser library processes configuration files without adequate protection against maliciously constructed keys that target the prototype chain. When a payload containing '_proto_' is processed, the library inadvertently assigns values to Object.prototype properties, which can have far-reaching consequences throughout the application's execution environment. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-1321, which specifically addresses prototype pollution issues in programming languages that support prototype-based inheritance.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as prototype pollution can lead to more severe security consequences including denial of service, code execution, and bypass of security controls. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially modify core Object properties and methods, affecting how the entire JavaScript runtime behaves. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to compromise applications that rely on object property checks or security assumptions based on prototype integrity. The attack vector is typically through configuration files or any input that gets parsed by the vulnerable library, making it accessible to attackers who can influence application input sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to a patched version of the ini-parser library where available, implementing input validation and sanitization measures before processing configuration data, and employing runtime protections such as prototype lock-down mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing application-level protections that monitor for unexpected modifications to prototype objects and establish proper input validation at all entry points where configuration data is consumed. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards that prevent prototype pollution through proper input sanitization and object property handling. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection and T1566 for social engineering, as it can be exploited through malicious configuration files or input manipulation.