CVE-2020-7726 in safe-object2 Package
Summary
by MITRE
All versions of package safe-object2 are vulnerable to Prototype Pollution via the setter function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7726 affects the safe-object2 npm package and represents a critical prototype pollution flaw that has significant implications for software security. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of object property assignment within the package's setter function implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the prototype chain of objects. The issue manifests when user-controlled input is processed through the package's object manipulation functions, allowing attackers to inject properties into the Object.prototype, which can then be inherited by all objects in the application's execution context. Such a flaw directly aligns with CWE-471, which defines prototype pollution as a condition where an application fails to properly sanitize user input before using it to modify object prototypes, leading to unexpected behavior and potential exploitation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the setter function in safe-object2 processes untrusted data without adequate validation or sanitization, enabling attackers to add or modify properties on the Object.prototype object. This allows adversaries to inject malicious properties that will be inherited by all objects created in the application, potentially leading to various security consequences including but not limited to remote code execution, denial of service, or privilege escalation attacks. The operational impact extends beyond simple data corruption, as prototype pollution can be leveraged to bypass security controls, manipulate application logic, and create persistent backdoors within applications that utilize this vulnerable package. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where the package is used for configuration management, data processing, or object manipulation, as these contexts often involve user input that could be exploited to achieve prototype pollution.
The exploitation of CVE-2020-7726 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and execution through modifications to application behavior. Attackers can use this vulnerability to modify the behavior of existing functions or inject malicious code that executes within the application's context, making it a valuable vector for advanced persistent threats. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in applications that rely heavily on object manipulation or configuration-based systems, where prototype pollution can be used to compromise the integrity of the entire application stack. Organizations using vulnerable versions of safe-object2 should consider implementing immediate mitigations including package version updates, input validation measures, and runtime protections to prevent exploitation of this prototype pollution vulnerability. The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure coding practices and proper input sanitization, particularly in libraries that handle object manipulation and configuration data.