CVE-2020-7724 in tiny-conf Package
Summary
by MITRE
All versions of package tiny-conf are vulnerable to Prototype Pollution via the set function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7724 affects the tiny-conf package, a lightweight configuration management library commonly used in node.js applications. This issue represents a prototype pollution vulnerability that exists within the set function of the package, allowing attackers to manipulate the prototype of objects through malicious input. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input parameters when setting configuration values, creating a pathway for adversaries to inject malicious data that can alter the behavior of the application's object prototypes.
Prototype pollution occurs when an application fails to properly sanitize user input before using it to modify object prototypes. In the context of tiny-conf, the set function does not adequately validate the keys being used to set configuration values, enabling attackers to inject keys that target the Object.prototype or other critical object properties. This flaw allows malicious actors to pollute the prototype chain of objects, potentially leading to unexpected behavior in applications that rely on prototype-based inheritance. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited across different parts of an application where prototype-based operations occur, making it a widespread concern for systems using this package.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7724 extends beyond simple configuration manipulation, as prototype pollution can lead to more severe consequences including remote code execution, denial of service, and privilege escalation. When an attacker successfully polls the prototype, they can potentially inject malicious properties into the global object prototype, which may be leveraged to execute arbitrary code in certain contexts. Applications using tiny-conf may become vulnerable to various attack vectors that exploit the polluted prototype, including server-side request forgery, cross-site scripting, and other injection attacks that rely on predictable object behavior. The vulnerability affects all versions of the package, meaning any application using tiny-conf is potentially at risk unless properly mitigated.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7724 should focus on immediate package updates and input validation measures. The primary recommendation involves updating to a patched version of the tiny-conf package where the prototype pollution vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and validation. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify all applications using this package and implement dependency management practices that automatically scan for vulnerable components. Additionally, developers should implement defensive programming practices including input validation, object property checks, and proper sanitization of configuration keys before they are processed by the set function. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-471, which specifically addresses the issue of prototype pollution in object-oriented programming environments. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and code injection through manipulation of object prototypes, representing a significant threat to application integrity and security posture.