CVE-2021-22930 in Node.js
Summary
by MITRE • 10/07/2021
Node.js before 16.6.0, 14.17.4, and 12.22.4 is vulnerable to a use after free attack where an attacker might be able to exploit the memory corruption, to change process behavior.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-22930 represents a critical use after free condition in Node.js runtime environments across multiple versions including 16.6.0, 14.17.4, and 12.22.4. This memory corruption flaw occurs when the JavaScript engine improperly handles memory management during object lifecycle operations, specifically when objects are freed from memory but references to them persist within the system. The vulnerability stems from improper memory deallocation practices where freed memory blocks may be reallocated or accessed by subsequent operations, creating opportunities for malicious exploitation. The underlying issue manifests in the V8 JavaScript engine's garbage collection mechanisms and memory management routines that fail to properly track object references after deallocation. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416 which specifically addresses use after free conditions, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can manipulate freed memory locations to execute arbitrary code or alter program execution flow. The memory corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior including privilege escalation, denial of service, or complete system compromise depending on the exploitation context.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-22930 extends significantly across Node.js applications and services that rely on the affected versions, particularly in environments where untrusted input processing occurs. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to manipulate memory contents, potentially executing malicious code with the privileges of the Node.js process. The attack surface includes web applications, APIs, and server-side JavaScript environments where memory management is critical for performance and security. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to corrupt process memory, potentially leading to remote code execution, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in cloud environments and containerized applications where Node.js is commonly deployed, as compromised processes could affect entire application stacks. The memory corruption can be triggered through crafted inputs or specific JavaScript operations that force the garbage collector into problematic states, making it difficult to detect and prevent through conventional security measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-22930 require immediate version upgrades to patched Node.js releases including 16.6.0, 14.17.4, or 12.22.4, as these versions contain memory management fixes that prevent the use after free conditions. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Node.js installations are updated promptly, particularly in production environments where the vulnerability could be exploited. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation and sanitization to minimize the attack surface, deploying runtime monitoring solutions to detect anomalous memory access patterns, and utilizing address space layout randomization techniques to make exploitation more difficult. Security teams should also consider implementing process isolation and privilege separation to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date runtime environments and highlights the critical nature of memory safety in modern JavaScript engines. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected Node.js instances and establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers JavaScript/TypeScript execution, emphasizing the need for proper memory management in interpreted languages where such vulnerabilities can have widespread impact across multiple application types and deployment scenarios.