CVE-2022-0235 in node-fetch
Summary
by MITRE • 01/16/2022
node-fetch is vulnerable to Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0235 affects the node-fetch library, a popular http client implementation for node.js environments. This security flaw represents a sensitive information exposure issue that occurs when the library fails to properly sanitize or handle certain request parameters during http communication. The vulnerability specifically manifests when node-fetch processes requests that contain sensitive data in headers or other request components, potentially allowing unauthorized actors to access information that should remain confidential. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of information disclosure flaws that can compromise system security and data integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how node-fetch handles header processing and request construction within its http client framework. When developers use the library to make http requests, certain header values or request parameters may be inadvertently exposed through the library's internal processing mechanisms. The flaw occurs during the request lifecycle where sensitive information gets logged, transmitted, or stored in locations accessible to unauthorized parties. This issue is particularly concerning because node-fetch is widely used across numerous applications and services, amplifying the potential impact of the vulnerability. The vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1567 for exfiltration of data through unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0235 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain insights into system configurations, authentication tokens, session identifiers, or other sensitive data that flows through the affected applications. Organizations using node-fetch in their backend services, microservices, or api gateways may inadvertently expose confidential information to malicious actors who can leverage this vulnerability to perform further attacks. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where node-fetch is used to communicate with internal systems or services that handle sensitive user data, authentication credentials, or business-critical information. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to extract session cookies, api keys, or other authentication material that would allow them to impersonate legitimate users or gain unauthorized access to protected resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate updates to the node-fetch library to versions that address the sensitive information exposure issue. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications and services that utilize node-fetch and ensure they are running patched versions. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can help reduce the attack surface by preventing sensitive data from being inadvertently processed or exposed through the http client. Network monitoring and logging controls should be enhanced to detect unusual data flows or patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits to minimize the potential damage from information disclosure vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the security posture of the affected systems.