CVE-2022-39396 in parse-server
Summary
by MITRE • 11/10/2022
Parse Server is an open source backend that can be deployed to any infrastructure that can run Node.js. Versions prior to 4.10.18, and prior to 5.3.1 on the 5.X branch, are vulnerable to Remote Code Execution via prototype pollution. An attacker can use this prototype pollution sink to trigger a remote code execution through the MongoDB BSON parser. This issue is patched in version 5.3.1 and in 4.10.18. There are no known workarounds.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-39396 affects Parse Server, a popular open-source backend framework designed to run on Node.js infrastructure. This critical security flaw exists in versions prior to 4.10.18 and 5.3.1 across the 5.X branch, representing a severe remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited by attackers without authentication. The vulnerability stems from prototype pollution within the MongoDB BSON parser, which serves as a critical attack vector for compromising affected systems.
The technical flaw manifests through prototype pollution that occurs when untrusted data is processed through the MongoDB BSON parser within the Parse Server environment. This vulnerability creates a prototype pollution sink where malicious input can manipulate the prototype of built-in JavaScript objects, specifically affecting the Object prototype. When the BSON parser encounters crafted input, it can alter the behavior of fundamental JavaScript objects, enabling attackers to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the Parse Server process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the BSON parsing mechanism to achieve remote code execution, bypassing traditional input validation measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected servers with the same privileges as the Parse Server application. This can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects organizations running Parse Server versions below the patched releases, making it a widespread concern for businesses relying on this backend framework. The lack of known workarounds means organizations must immediately upgrade to mitigate the risk, as no temporary fixes are available to address the prototype pollution issue.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to Parse Server versions 4.10.18 or 5.3.1, which contain the necessary patches to address the prototype pollution vulnerability. The fix implements proper input validation and sanitization measures within the BSON parser to prevent malicious data from polluting object prototypes. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running vulnerable versions of Parse Server and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-471, which addresses the improper update of pointers or references during prototype pollution attacks, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through prototype pollution. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating and sanitizing all input data, particularly when processing serialized data through parsers that may interact with JavaScript object prototypes.