CVE-2022-37599 in loader-utils
Summary
by MITRE • 10/11/2022
A Regular expression denial of service (ReDoS) flaw was found in Function interpolateName in interpolateName.js in webpack loader-utils 2.0.0 via the resourcePath variable in interpolateName.js.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-37599 represents a classic Regular Expression Denial of Service (ReDoS) flaw that affects the webpack loader-utils library version 2.0.0. This security weakness resides within the interpolateName function located in the interpolateName.js file, specifically through improper handling of the resourcePath variable. The issue manifests when maliciously crafted input is processed through the regular expression patterns used in the interpolation logic, creating a potential pathway for attackers to exploit system resources through carefully constructed inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the use of inefficient regular expressions that are susceptible to catastrophic backtracking when processing certain input patterns. The resourcePath variable in the interpolateName function receives user-supplied input that gets processed through regular expression matching operations. When an attacker provides specially crafted strings that trigger the backtracking behavior in these regex patterns, the system can experience exponential execution time increases, effectively consuming CPU resources and potentially leading to service unavailability. This behavior aligns with the Common Weakness Enumeration CWE-400, which categorizes the vulnerability as a weakness in resource management that can lead to denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-37599 extends beyond simple resource exhaustion, as it can compromise the availability and stability of applications that depend on webpack's loader utilities. Systems utilizing webpack version 2.0.0 or earlier that process user inputs through the interpolateName function become vulnerable to attacks that can cause significant performance degradation or complete service disruption. The vulnerability affects web applications and build processes that rely on webpack's loader functionality, making it particularly dangerous in environments where build systems are exposed to untrusted input or where automated build processes might be targeted. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting input strings that cause the regular expressions to enter into catastrophic backtracking states, consuming system resources and potentially leading to system crashes or denial of service conditions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-37599 should focus on updating to patched versions of webpack loader-utils where the vulnerable regular expressions have been replaced with more efficient patterns that resist backtracking attacks. Organizations should prioritize upgrading their webpack dependencies to versions that address this vulnerability, typically through updates to loader-utils 2.0.1 or later. Additionally, implementing input validation and sanitization measures can provide defense-in-depth approaches to prevent malicious input from reaching the vulnerable interpolation logic. Security monitoring and logging of build processes can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while the application of the ATT&CK framework's defensive techniques can guide organizations in implementing proper input handling and resource management controls to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.