CVE-2022-25645 in dset
Summary
by MITRE • 05/01/2022
All versions of package dset are vulnerable to Prototype Pollution via 'dset/merge' mode, as the dset function checks for prototype pollution by validating if the top-level path contains __proto__, constructor or protorype. By crafting a malicious object, it is possible to bypass this check and achieve prototype pollution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-25645 affects the dset package, a JavaScript library used for setting nested object properties. This issue represents a critical prototype pollution vulnerability that undermines the security of applications relying on the package's merge functionality. The flaw exists specifically within the dset/merge mode implementation where the library attempts to prevent prototype pollution by checking if top-level paths contain malicious keywords such as _proto_, constructor, or prototype. However, this validation mechanism proves insufficient as attackers can craft malicious objects that bypass these checks through sophisticated payload construction techniques.
Prototype pollution vulnerabilities occur when an application fails to properly sanitize user input before using it to set object properties, allowing attackers to modify the prototype of built-in objects. This can lead to severe consequences including arbitrary code execution, denial of service, and privilege escalation. The vulnerability manifests when the dset function processes objects containing specially crafted property names that circumvent the initial validation layer, enabling attackers to pollute the Object prototype chain. This weakness is particularly dangerous because it can affect applications across multiple domains including web browsers, Node.js environments, and server-side applications that utilize the dset library for configuration management or data manipulation tasks.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-25645 extends beyond simple data corruption, as prototype pollution can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code in vulnerable applications. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to manipulate core JavaScript objects, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector typically involves sending malicious data structures to applications that use the dset package, where the library's merge functionality processes the input without adequate protection against prototype pollution. This vulnerability affects all versions of the dset package, making it particularly concerning for organizations with extensive legacy codebases or those that have not yet updated their dependencies.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by updating to patched versions of the dset package or implementing defensive coding practices. The mitigation strategy involves not only updating the vulnerable library but also implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures throughout the application stack. Organizations should consider implementing runtime protections such as prototype pollution detection mechanisms and monitoring for suspicious property access patterns. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-471, which describes the weakness of using an incorrect field name or reference, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection and T1566 for malicious file execution. The incident highlights the critical importance of thorough input validation and the need for security-conscious development practices when handling user-provided data in JavaScript applications.