CVE-2022-0691 in url-parse
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2022
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key in NPM url-parse prior to 1.5.9.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0691 represents a critical authorization bypass issue within the npm url-parse package version 1.5.8 and earlier. This flaw stems from improper handling of user-controlled input within the package's URL parsing functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent intended access controls. The vulnerability specifically manifests when applications utilizing this package process URLs that contain specially crafted parameters or fragments that manipulate the authorization flow. The issue falls under the category of authorization bypass vulnerabilities, which are particularly dangerous as they allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to resources or functionality that should be restricted. According to CWE-285, this vulnerability maps to improper authorization conditions where the system fails to properly validate or enforce access controls. The attack vector typically involves an attacker constructing a malicious URL that exploits the package's handling of user-controllable keys, potentially allowing unauthorized access to protected resources or data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the parsing layer where the url-parse package processes incoming URLs without adequate validation of user-supplied parameters. When applications pass user-controlled input through this package, the parsing logic can be manipulated to bypass authentication checks or authorization mechanisms that are normally in place. The flaw exploits the trust placed in the package's parsing behavior, where legitimate parameter handling becomes a vector for privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications that rely on URL-based authorization systems, where the package's parsing function might be used to interpret access tokens, session identifiers, or other authorization-related parameters. This creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the URL structure to bypass the intended authorization flow, essentially allowing unauthorized access to protected application features or data. The underlying issue demonstrates poor input validation practices and insufficient sanitization of user-controllable data within the parsing logic, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 related to valid accounts and credential manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0691 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially enable more severe security breaches within applications that depend on the affected package. Organizations using vulnerable versions of url-parse may experience data exposure, privilege escalation, and unauthorized system access. The vulnerability's severity is amplified when the affected applications process URLs from untrusted sources, such as user input forms, API endpoints, or external links. Attackers could exploit this flaw to access restricted administrative functions, view sensitive user data, or manipulate application state in ways that should be prevented by authorization controls. The vulnerability affects a widely-used npm package, making it a significant concern for the broader software ecosystem. In enterprise environments, this could result in unauthorized access to internal systems, data breaches, and compliance violations. The impact is particularly severe for applications implementing role-based access control or other authorization mechanisms that rely on URL parameters for access validation. Organizations may experience cascading security issues if this vulnerability is leveraged as a stepping stone for further attacks within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0691 center on immediate package updates to version 1.5.9 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the authorization bypass vulnerability. Security teams should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all applications and systems utilizing vulnerable versions of the url-parse package, particularly in development environments where the package may be used in various contexts. Organizations should implement automated dependency monitoring to detect and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively. The recommended approach includes updating the npm package to the patched version, which addresses the improper handling of user-controlled keys in the URL parsing logic. Additional defensive measures involve implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all URL parameters, especially those that might influence authorization decisions. Security controls should include network segmentation, access logging, and monitoring for unusual URL patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and block malicious URL manipulation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date dependencies and following secure coding practices that prevent user-controllable input from influencing authorization decisions. Regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar authorization bypass vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack.