CVE-2022-0841 in npm-lockfile
Summary
by MITRE • 03/03/2022
OS Command Injection in GitHub repository ljharb/npm-lockfile in v2.0.3 and v2.0.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0841 represents a critical operating system command injection flaw discovered within the npm-lockfile package maintained by ljharb on github. This security weakness affects versions 2.0.3 and 2.0.4 of the package, which serves as a utility for parsing and manipulating npm lock files. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the package's command execution pathways, creating an exploitable condition where malicious input can be interpreted and executed as operating system commands. The flaw manifests when the package processes user-provided data without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary commands that get executed within the context of the system running the vulnerable code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories, specifically addressing improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. The attack vector typically involves an attacker manipulating the npm-lockfile package's parsing functions to execute unintended system commands through crafted input parameters. When the vulnerable package processes a lock file containing maliciously formatted entries or when developers integrate the package into build processes without proper input validation, the system becomes susceptible to command injection attacks. The flaw operates at the intersection of software supply chain security and privilege escalation, as it allows attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the user running the package. This presents a significant risk in automated build environments, continuous integration pipelines, and development workflows where npm-lockfile is used to manage dependencies.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0841 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader supply chain compromise scenarios. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can potentially gain unauthorized access to development environments, execute arbitrary code on target systems, and escalate privileges to perform more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used package like npm-lockfile amplifies its impact across numerous projects and organizations that rely on npm dependency management. Security professionals should consider this weakness in the context of ATT&CK framework's T1059.001 technique for command and script injection, as it enables adversaries to execute system commands directly through the compromised package. Organizations using vulnerable versions may experience data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive development environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0841 primarily involve immediate version updates to remediate the vulnerability, with developers upgrading to versions that have implemented proper input sanitization and command execution safeguards. The recommended approach includes conducting thorough dependency audits to identify all systems using vulnerable versions of npm-lockfile and implementing automated security scanning in CI/CD pipelines to prevent vulnerable packages from being introduced. Organizations should also establish secure coding practices that emphasize input validation and parameter sanitization, particularly for functions that interact with system commands. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation, privilege separation, and monitoring for unusual command execution patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing software composition analysis tools to track vulnerable dependencies and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing supply chain vulnerabilities. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that updated versions maintain functionality while eliminating the command injection risk.