CVE-2021-25949 in set-getter
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2021
Prototype pollution vulnerability in ‘set-getter’ version 0.1.0 allows an attacker to cause a denial of service and may lead to remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2021
The CVE-2021-25949 vulnerability represents a critical prototype pollution flaw within the set-getter npm package version 0.1.0, exposing applications to severe security risks including denial of service and potential remote code execution. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of object property manipulation during the getter and setter operations, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the prototype chain of JavaScript objects. The flaw specifically affects applications that rely on the set-getter package for dynamic property access and assignment, making it particularly dangerous in web applications and server-side environments where user input is processed.
Prototype pollution occurs when an attacker can inject malicious properties into the Object.prototype, which then affects all objects in the application due to JavaScript's prototype inheritance mechanism. In the context of set-getter version 0.1.0, this vulnerability manifests when the package processes user-supplied data without proper validation, allowing attackers to manipulate prototype properties through crafted input. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-471 as "Modification of Assumed-Immutable Data" and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" when exploited for remote code execution. The flaw enables attackers to inject properties into the prototype chain that can be leveraged to override core methods or introduce malicious functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable full remote code execution in vulnerable applications. When exploited, attackers can manipulate the prototype chain to inject malicious properties that persist across all objects in the application, potentially allowing them to bypass security controls, modify application behavior, or execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in Node.js environments where the set-getter package is commonly used for configuration management and property access, as it can affect critical application components and data handling mechanisms. Applications using vulnerable versions of this package may experience unexpected behavior, application crashes, or complete system compromise depending on how the prototype pollution is exploited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-25949 should prioritize immediate remediation through package version updates to the latest secure release of set-getter. Organizations must conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications utilizing the vulnerable package and ensure proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms are implemented. Security measures should include implementing prototype pollution detection tools, employing strict Content Security Policies, and establishing robust dependency management practices to prevent the introduction of vulnerable components. Additionally, developers should adopt defensive programming techniques such as using Object.freeze() on critical objects, implementing proper property validation, and avoiding direct manipulation of prototype properties. The vulnerability highlights the importance of supply chain security and proper dependency verification, as prototype pollution vulnerabilities often remain undetected until exploited in production environments. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous prototype modifications and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts.