CVE-2023-34867 in Jerryscript
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2023
Jerryscript 3.0 (commit 05dbbd1) was discovered to contain an Assertion Failure via the ecma_property_hashmap_create at jerry-core/ecma/base/ecma-property-hashmap.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-34867 affects Jerryscript version 3.0, specifically manifesting in the ecma_property_hashmap_create function within the jerry-core/ecma/base/ecma-property-hashmap.c file. This represents a critical assertion failure that occurs during the creation of property hashmaps in the JavaScript engine implementation. The issue stems from an insufficient validation mechanism that fails to properly handle certain edge cases during hashmap initialization, leading to a scenario where an assertion condition evaluates to false and triggers an abrupt program termination. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of software reliability issues that can potentially be exploited to cause denial of service conditions or, in more sophisticated attack scenarios, could serve as a stepping stone for more complex exploitation techniques.
The technical flaw manifests when the JavaScript engine attempts to create a property hashmap structure for ECMAScript objects, where the assertion failure occurs due to improper bounds checking or validation of input parameters. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-617: Reachable Assertion, which describes situations where an assertion can be reached through an attacker-controlled input path. The assertion failure creates a condition where the program terminates unexpectedly, potentially providing an attacker with information about the internal state of the JavaScript engine or enabling them to craft inputs that consistently trigger this failure. From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to systems relying on Jerryscript for embedded JavaScript execution, particularly in IoT devices, embedded systems, or applications where the JavaScript engine handles untrusted input from external sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-34867 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be leveraged in broader attack scenarios within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1499.004 technique for "Unauthorized Command Execution" and potentially T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" when the vulnerable system is part of a larger attack chain. Systems utilizing Jerryscript for processing user input, web applications, or embedded devices that execute JavaScript code could be susceptible to exploitation, particularly in environments where the JavaScript engine receives untrusted data. The vulnerability's exploitation potential increases when the affected system is part of a larger ecosystem where JavaScript execution is common and input validation is insufficient. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling activities, as it could be used to disrupt services or potentially enable further exploitation if combined with other vulnerabilities in the system landscape.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-34867 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Jerryscript installations to version 3.1 or later, which contains the fix for the assertion failure in the ecma_property_hashmap_create function. System administrators should also implement input validation measures at the application level to prevent malformed JavaScript inputs from reaching the Jerryscript engine, particularly in environments where user-supplied content is processed. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of assertion failures or program terminations that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms around JavaScript execution contexts and regularly review their embedded system configurations to ensure that all components are updated to versions that address known vulnerabilities. The fix implemented in the patched version typically involves strengthening the validation logic within the hashmap creation process and ensuring that all edge cases are properly handled before assertions are executed, thereby preventing the program from reaching an unreachable assertion state during normal operation.