CVE-2022-21164 in node-lmdb
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2022
The package node-lmdb before 0.9.7 are vulnerable to Denial of Service (DoS) when defining a non-invokable ToString value, which will cause a crash during type check.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-21164 affects the node-lmdb package version 0.9.7 and earlier, representing a critical denial of service weakness that can be exploited through improper handling of non-invokable ToString values. This issue resides within the lmdb database binding for node.js applications, where the package serves as an interface to the Lightning Memory-Mapped Database system. The flaw manifests during type checking operations when the system encounters a ToString value that cannot be invoked, leading to an unhandled exception that crashes the entire application process. The vulnerability specifically targets the package's internal type validation mechanisms, which are responsible for ensuring proper data type handling during database operations.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the type checking routines of the node-lmdb package. When a non-invokable ToString value is encountered during database operations, the system fails to properly validate the type before attempting to process it, resulting in a crash. This behavior aligns with CWE-470, which describes the use of insecure functions that can lead to crashes or unexpected behavior when processing malformed input. The flaw operates at the intersection of type system validation and memory management, where improper handling of type checking can lead to application termination. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through normal database operations, making it difficult to predict and prevent in production environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-21164 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass broader system reliability concerns for node.js applications utilizing the lmdb database binding. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause service disruption for applications that depend on persistent data storage, potentially leading to data loss or unavailability of critical services. The crash occurs during routine type validation processes, meaning that even legitimate database operations can trigger the vulnerability. This makes the issue particularly dangerous in production environments where applications must maintain uptime and reliability. The vulnerability also represents a potential attack vector for adversaries seeking to disrupt services through denial of service attacks, as demonstrated by ATT&CK technique T1499.2, which covers network denial of service attacks that can be executed through application-level vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-21164 primarily focus on updating the affected node-lmdb package to version 0.9.7 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved type validation and error handling mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates promptly. Additionally, application developers should consider implementing defensive programming practices such as input validation and proper exception handling to reduce the impact of similar vulnerabilities in other components. The fix typically involves strengthening the type checking routines to properly handle edge cases and non-invokable values without causing application crashes. Security monitoring should also be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts through abnormal application behavior or frequent crashes. System administrators should review their dependency management processes to ensure that vulnerable versions are not inadvertently introduced into production environments through automated deployment pipelines.