CVE-2022-0686 in url-parse
Summary
by MITRE • 02/20/2022
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key in NPM url-parse prior to 1.5.8.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0686 represents a critical authorization bypass flaw within the npm url-parse package version 1.5.8 and earlier. This issue arises from improper handling of user-controlled keys during URL parsing operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent intended access controls. The vulnerability specifically affects applications that rely on url-parse for processing user-supplied URL data, potentially allowing unauthorized access to protected resources or functionality.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the url-parse library's key handling mechanisms. When applications process URLs containing user-controlled data through this library, the parsing function fails to properly validate or sanitize key parameters that could be manipulated to alter authorization checks. This weakness creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious keys or manipulate existing keys to bypass authentication mechanisms that should otherwise restrict access to sensitive resources. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through crafted URL inputs that manipulate the internal key-value parsing logic.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0686 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, potentially enabling full system compromise when exploited in conjunction with other vulnerabilities. Applications using vulnerable versions of url-parse may experience unauthorized data access, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications that process user inputs through URL parsing, as it allows attackers to manipulate authorization checks without requiring elevated privileges. This could result in data breaches, unauthorized administrative access, and potential compromise of entire application ecosystems. The attack surface is broad as url-parse is a widely used dependency in Node.js applications, making numerous systems potentially vulnerable.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to url-parse version 1.5.8 or later to remediate this vulnerability. The fix implemented in version 1.5.8 includes enhanced input validation and proper key sanitization mechanisms that prevent user-controlled keys from bypassing authorization checks. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications and systems using vulnerable versions of the library, particularly those handling sensitive data or implementing access controls. Additional mitigations include implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, network segmentation to limit potential impact, and monitoring for suspicious URL parsing activities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, as exploitation typically involves manipulating account access through crafted inputs. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular dependency audits and automated security scanning of npm packages are essential practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into application environments.