CVE-2020-7641 in grunt-util-property
Summary
by MITRE • 07/17/2022
This affects all versions of package grunt-util-property. The function call could be tricked into adding or modifying properties of Object.prototype using a __proto__ payload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7641 resides within the grunt-util-property package, affecting all versions of this npm module. This issue represents a prototype pollution vulnerability that stems from improper handling of object property assignments within the package's functionality. The flaw specifically manifests when the package processes user-provided input that contains malicious property names, particularly those leveraging the _proto_ mechanism. Such vulnerabilities fall under the category of CWE-471, which describes the exposure of an object to unintended modification through the manipulation of prototype properties. The vulnerability enables attackers to inject malicious properties into the Object.prototype object, which can have cascading effects throughout the application's object model.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a payload containing _proto_ properties that get processed by the vulnerable package. When the package executes its property assignment logic, it fails to properly sanitize or validate these special property names, allowing the attacker to modify the prototype chain of objects. This means that any subsequent object creation or property access can be influenced by the maliciously injected properties, potentially leading to unexpected behavior or security breaches. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because Object.prototype is the foundation of all JavaScript objects, making any modifications to it affect the entire object hierarchy. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1550.002, which involves the use of prototype pollution to manipulate object behavior and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7641 extends beyond simple property modification, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as remote code execution, denial of service, or privilege escalation depending on how the application utilizes the affected package. Applications that rely on grunt-util-property for processing user input or configuration data become vulnerable to attacks that can manipulate core object behavior. The vulnerability is especially concerning in environments where the package is used for parsing or processing untrusted data, as it can lead to arbitrary code execution or data corruption. This vulnerability is classified as a medium to high severity issue within the CVSS scoring system, reflecting its potential to be exploited in various attack scenarios. The flaw demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and sanitization, which are fundamental security practices recommended by OWASP and other security frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7641 should focus on immediate remediation through package updates, as the vulnerability has been addressed in newer versions of grunt-util-property. Organizations should implement comprehensive dependency management practices, including regular security audits and automated vulnerability scanning of their npm package dependencies. The use of security tools such as npm audit, snyk, or similar vulnerability scanners can help identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited. Additionally, developers should implement input sanitization measures and avoid direct property assignment to objects that might be influenced by user input. The implementation of strict content security policies and the use of secure coding practices that prevent prototype pollution are essential defensive measures. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections and monitoring mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be difficult to detect through traditional security scanning methods due to its subtle nature and the way it operates within the JavaScript object model.