CVE-2022-41879 in Parse Server
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2022
Parse Server is an open source backend that can be deployed to any infrastructure that can run Node.js. In versions prior to 5.3.3 or 4.10.20, a compromised Parse Server Cloud Code Webhook target endpoint allows an attacker to use prototype pollution to bypass the Parse Server `requestKeywordDenylist` option. This issue has been patched in versions 5.3.3 and 4.10.20. There are no known workarounds.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2022
Parse Server represents a widely adopted open source backend solution designed to facilitate rapid application development by providing a cloud-based infrastructure that runs on Node.js. The platform offers developers a comprehensive set of tools including user management, data storage, and cloud code execution capabilities. However, a critical vulnerability has been identified in versions prior to 5.3.3 and 4.10.20 that fundamentally undermines the security controls implemented by the system. This vulnerability specifically targets the cloud code webhook functionality where applications can execute custom server-side code in response to events. The flaw enables attackers who have compromised a webhook target endpoint to exploit prototype pollution techniques to circumvent the requestKeywordDenylist protection mechanism that is intended to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive server operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Parse Server's handling of webhook requests. When a webhook is triggered, the system processes incoming data through a series of parsing operations that can be manipulated through prototype pollution attacks. This form of attack occurs when an attacker injects malicious data into object prototypes, allowing them to modify the behavior of existing objects and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability specifically allows exploitation of the requestKeywordDenylist configuration option, which serves as a critical security control designed to prevent access to certain request parameters that could be used to execute privileged operations. The prototype pollution technique enables attackers to bypass these restrictions by manipulating the prototype chain of objects used in the request processing pipeline, effectively rendering the denylist protection ineffective.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with a direct pathway to escalate privileges within the Parse Server environment. Once an attacker has compromised a webhook target endpoint, they can leverage this vulnerability to bypass security controls that are specifically designed to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive server operations. This could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code, access restricted data, or potentially gain full control over the backend infrastructure. The implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as the vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the platform, potentially allowing attackers to bypass multiple layers of security controls that are critical for protecting user data and maintaining system integrity. Organizations using affected versions of Parse Server face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to their backend systems, particularly in environments where webhook endpoints may be exposed to untrusted networks or where attackers have already gained access to other system components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of patched versions 5.3.3 or 4.10.20, as no effective workarounds exist for this specific issue. Organizations should conduct comprehensive assessments of their Parse Server deployments to identify all affected systems and ensure proper patching across all environments. Security teams should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of webhook endpoints to trusted networks only. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-471, which addresses the improper handling of prototype pollution in object-oriented programming environments, and represents a significant concern within the ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques. Given the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should also review their webhook security configurations and implement additional monitoring for suspicious activities around webhook execution and request processing. The incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input validation controls, particularly in systems that handle sensitive data processing and cloud-based operations.