CVE-2021-45459 in node-windows
Summary
by MITRE • 12/22/2021
lib/cmd.js in the node-windows package before 1.0.0-beta.6 for Node.js allows command injection via the PID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-45459 affects the node-windows package version 1.0.0-beta.5 and earlier, presenting a critical command injection flaw within the lib/cmd.js module. This security weakness specifically manifests through improper handling of the PID parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on systems running vulnerable versions of the package. The node-windows package serves as a Node.js module designed to facilitate Windows service management and system operations, making it a critical component in enterprise environments where Windows-based automation and service deployment are common practices.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the command execution pipeline of the node-windows package. When the PID parameter is processed in the lib/cmd.js file, the system fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before incorporating it into system commands. This creates a classic command injection vulnerability where an attacker can append malicious commands to the PID parameter, which then gets executed by the underlying operating system with the privileges of the running process. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper input handling and privilege escalation, as the executed commands inherit the permissions of the process that initiated the command execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it represents a significant threat to system integrity and security posture. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources, escalate privileges, execute malicious payloads, and establish persistent access within affected environments. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where Windows services are frequently managed through Node.js applications, as it allows for unauthorized system compromise without requiring direct user interaction or complex attack vectors. This makes the vulnerability highly attractive to threat actors seeking to establish footholds within network infrastructure.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to node-windows package version 1.0.0-beta.6 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the command injection flaw. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories, representing improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution and improper handling of special elements in command lines. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and scripting interpreter execution, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing security controls aligned with the MITRE ATT&CK matrix.