CVE-2020-7713 in arr-flatten-unflatten
Summary
by MITRE
All versions of package arr-flatten-unflatten are vulnerable to Prototype Pollution via the constructor.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7713 affects the arr-flatten-unflatten package, which is a JavaScript library used for manipulating array structures. This package is particularly susceptible to prototype pollution attacks due to improper handling of object constructors during array flattening and unflattening operations. The flaw exists in how the library processes user-provided data when constructing arrays, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate the prototype chain of objects.
Prototype pollution occurs when an attacker can manipulate the prototype of an object through user-controllable input, allowing them to inject malicious properties into the Object.prototype. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can affect all objects in the JavaScript runtime environment that inherit from Object.prototype. The arr-flatten-unflatten package fails to properly sanitize input parameters during its array processing functions, specifically when dealing with nested objects that contain constructor properties. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-471, which deals with the improper handling of prototype pollution in JavaScript environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can lead to various downstream security issues including remote code execution, denial of service, and data manipulation. When an attacker successfully exploits this prototype pollution vulnerability, they can inject malicious properties into the global Object prototype, affecting all subsequent object operations within the application. This can result in unexpected behavior where legitimate code may be overridden or manipulated by malicious properties. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications where user input is processed through this library, as it can be exploited to bypass security controls or manipulate application logic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7713 should focus on updating to the patched version of the arr-flatten-unflatten package, which addresses the prototype pollution issue by properly sanitizing constructor properties during array operations. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures at multiple layers of their applications to prevent malicious data from reaching vulnerable libraries. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual prototype modifications and implement proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068, which deals with exploit development techniques targeting application vulnerabilities, making it a critical concern for security teams implementing defensive measures.