CVE-2022-25352 in libnested
Summary
by MITRE • 03/17/2022
The package libnested before 1.5.2 are vulnerable to Prototype Pollution via the set function in index.js. **Note:** This vulnerability derives from an incomplete fix for [CVE-2020-28283](https://security.snyk.io/vuln/SNYK-JS-LIBNESTED-1054930)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-25352 affects the libnested package version prior to 1.5.2, representing a critical prototype pollution flaw within the set function located in index.js. This security weakness allows attackers to manipulate the prototype of JavaScript objects through malicious input, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The vulnerability specifically targets the prototype pollution mechanism that enables attackers to inject properties into object prototypes, which can then be exploited by subsequent code that relies on these prototypes. The issue is particularly concerning because it represents an incomplete remediation of a previously identified vulnerability, CVE-2020-28283, indicating that the initial fix was insufficient to fully address the underlying prototype pollution attack surface.
Prototype pollution vulnerabilities fall under CWE-471, which classifies them as weaknesses where an application does not properly validate or sanitize input data that can affect object prototypes. This particular flaw operates by allowing attackers to manipulate the prototype chain of JavaScript objects through the set function, enabling them to inject malicious properties into the Object.prototype. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it can enable attackers to modify the behavior of core JavaScript functions, manipulate application logic, or even achieve remote code execution in certain scenarios. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through various input vectors including JSON parsing, configuration files, or user-supplied data that gets processed by the vulnerable library.
The exploitation of this prototype pollution vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of scripting languages to execute malicious code. Attackers can leverage this flaw to inject malicious properties into prototypes, which may then be accessed by other parts of the application or framework components. This can lead to a cascade of security issues where seemingly benign operations can be subverted to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive data. The vulnerability's persistence in the codebase despite previous fixes indicates a fundamental flaw in the implementation approach, suggesting that developers may not have fully understood the scope of prototype pollution attacks or may have implemented inadequate sanitization measures.
Organizations utilizing the libnested package in versions prior to 1.5.2 should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to the patched version, implementing input validation and sanitization measures, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify potential prototype pollution vectors. The fix for this vulnerability addresses the root cause by properly validating and sanitizing object property names during the set operation, preventing unauthorized modifications to object prototypes. Additionally, developers should consider implementing runtime protections such as prototype lockdown mechanisms and regular security audits to prevent similar issues from emerging in other components of their applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive security testing and the need for robust input validation in all application components that handle external data.