CVE-2021-23344 in total.js
Summary
by MITRE • 03/05/2021
The package total.js before 3.4.8 are vulnerable to Remote Code Execution (RCE) via set.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-23344 affects the total.js framework version 3.4.7 and earlier, presenting a critical remote code execution flaw that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the set method within the framework, which fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary code that gets executed within the context of the application server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the total.js framework's set functionality. When developers utilize the set method to configure application parameters or handle user input, the framework does not sufficiently sanitize or escape potentially malicious data. This improper handling creates a path for attackers to inject code that bypasses normal execution boundaries and executes with the privileges of the application process. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which represents "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of arbitrary code through application interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to full system compromise and data breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, modifying application behavior, or even establishing persistent backdoors. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications built using the total.js framework, making it a significant concern for organizations that rely on this technology stack for their web services and APIs.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to total.js version 3.4.8 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as no effective workarounds exist for the flaw. The patch addresses the input validation issue by implementing proper sanitization and escaping mechanisms for the set method parameters. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of the framework and prioritize their remediation efforts. Additionally, implementing network monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review their application code to ensure proper input validation practices are followed and consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.