CVE-2020-7717 in dot-notes Package
Summary
by MITRE
All versions of package dot-notes are vulnerable to Prototype Pollution via the create function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7717 affects the dot-notes package, a utility library commonly used for accessing nested object properties in javascript applications. This flaw represents a prototype pollution vulnerability that exists within the create function of the package, allowing attackers to manipulate the prototype of objects and potentially alter the behavior of the application. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input when constructing object properties, creating opportunities for malicious actors to pollute the prototype chain of objects used within the application context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the create function processes input data without adequate validation or sanitization of property names. When developers use the dot-notes package to access nested properties, the function may inadvertently allow attackers to inject property names that correspond to existing prototype methods or properties. This creates a scenario where an attacker can modify the behavior of core javascript objects such as Object.prototype, which affects all objects in the application. The vulnerability specifically relates to CWE-471, which describes the exposure of a system to manipulation of the prototype chain of objects, and can be classified under the broader category of prototype pollution attacks that have been extensively documented in security research.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it can lead to serious security consequences including remote code execution, denial of service conditions, and information disclosure. When prototype pollution occurs in a javascript environment, attackers can exploit this to modify core object methods or properties, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code or bypass security controls within applications that rely on the dot-notes package. The vulnerability affects all versions of the package, indicating that this is a long-standing issue that has not been properly addressed in the codebase. Applications using this package may be vulnerable to attacks where malicious input can be used to modify the behavior of the entire javascript runtime environment, particularly in server-side applications or those processing untrusted data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7717 require immediate attention from development teams to address the prototype pollution vulnerability within their applications. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the dot-notes package if available, or implementing defensive programming techniques to sanitize input before processing. Organizations should consider implementing input validation at multiple layers of their applications to prevent malicious property names from being processed through the create function. Security practitioners should also monitor for potential exploitation attempts and implement runtime protections such as Content Security Policy headers and strict object property access controls. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through javascript and T1211 for exploitation of vulnerable libraries, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing comprehensive threat hunting and incident response procedures. Additionally, developers should consider adopting more secure alternatives to the vulnerable package or implementing custom validation logic that prevents manipulation of prototype properties during object creation operations.