CVE-2022-0639 in url-parse
Summary
by MITRE • 02/17/2022
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key in NPM url-parse prior to 1.5.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0639 represents a critical authorization bypass flaw within the NPM url-parse package, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.5.7. This issue stems from improper handling of user-controlled input within the package's authorization mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent intended security controls. The vulnerability exists in the way the package processes URL components, particularly when dealing with authorization headers and user-provided data that influences access control decisions. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate authorization parameters through carefully crafted input that the package fails to properly validate or sanitize, potentially enabling unauthorized access to protected resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the package's parsing logic where user-controllable data elements are processed without adequate authorization validation. When the url-parse package encounters URL strings containing authorization information, it fails to properly separate legitimate authorization data from potentially malicious user input. This creates a condition where an attacker can inject crafted authorization parameters that bypass the intended access controls. The vulnerability manifests when the package processes URLs with user-controlled keys or parameters that influence authorization decisions, allowing attackers to manipulate the authorization flow through input manipulation rather than proper authentication mechanisms. The flaw operates at the intersection of input validation and access control, where the package's trust model is incorrectly applied to user-provided data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security assumptions of applications relying on the url-parse package. Systems utilizing affected versions may experience unauthorized access to sensitive resources, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to bypass authentication mechanisms, access restricted APIs, or manipulate application behavior through crafted URL inputs. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications where user input flows directly into URL parsing functions, as it enables attackers to construct malicious URLs that appear legitimate to the system while containing unauthorized access parameters. This authorization bypass can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the affected package is used in critical security-sensitive applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0639 require immediate remediation through package version updates to 1.5.7 or later, which address the authorization bypass through improved input validation and proper handling of user-controlled keys. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all applications and systems utilizing affected versions of the url-parse package, implementing automated scanning tools to detect vulnerable dependencies. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input sanitization at application boundaries, employing web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious URL patterns, and establishing runtime monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for spearphishing with a link, as attackers may exploit this to gain unauthorized access to protected resources. Security teams should also consider implementing dependency management policies that enforce secure package versions and establish automated alerting for vulnerable dependencies in their software supply chains.