CVE-2023-36201 in JerryScript
Summary
by MITRE • 07/07/2023
An issue in JerryscriptProject jerryscript v.3.0.0 allows an attacker to obtain sensitive information via a crafted script to the arrays.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-36201 affects the JerryscriptProject jerryscript version 3.0.0 and represents a sensitive information disclosure flaw that can be exploited through crafted script inputs targeting array operations. This vulnerability resides within the JavaScript engine implementation and demonstrates a critical weakness in the memory management and data handling mechanisms of the jerryscript runtime environment. The issue specifically manifests when processing arrays through maliciously constructed scripts that manipulate internal array structures and memory layouts. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200 which defines information disclosure vulnerabilities as those that allow unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially exposing internal system information or data that should remain private. This type of vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in embedded systems or IoT devices that utilize jerryscript as their JavaScript engine, as it may provide attackers with insights into memory structures, internal data representations, or other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further exploitation.
The technical flaw in CVE-2023-36201 stems from improper handling of array operations within the jerryscript engine's memory management subsystem. When an attacker submits a crafted script containing specific array manipulation operations, the engine fails to properly validate or sanitize the array access patterns, potentially leading to memory leaks or information exposure through side-channel attacks. The vulnerability likely involves improper bounds checking or memory access control during array operations, where the engine does not adequately protect against unauthorized memory reads or writes that could expose internal state information. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers JavaScript and can be exploited through script injection attacks that manipulate the execution environment to extract sensitive information. The flaw appears to be particularly relevant in contexts where jerryscript is used in resource-constrained environments or security-sensitive applications where information disclosure could lead to more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-36201 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable attackers to gather intelligence about the underlying system architecture and memory layout. In embedded systems or IoT deployments that rely on jerryscript for scripting capabilities, this vulnerability could allow adversaries to understand memory organization patterns, internal data structures, or even extract cryptographic keys or other sensitive information that should remain protected. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is heightened when jerryscript is used in web applications or device firmware where attackers can submit malicious scripts through user input or API endpoints. Organizations using jerryscript in production environments face significant risk as this vulnerability could be leveraged to perform reconnaissance activities, identify system weaknesses, or potentially facilitate more advanced exploitation techniques. The impact is particularly concerning in environments where jerryscript operates in trusted execution contexts where sensitive data processing occurs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-36201 should focus on immediate patching of the jerryscript engine to version 3.1.0 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved array validation and memory access controls. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all script execution environments, particularly when processing user-provided content or external data sources. The implementation of runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts by monitoring for unusual array access patterns or memory operations that could indicate attempted exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for script execution environments to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews of JavaScript environments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components or libraries that might be using similar memory management patterns. Organizations should also follow ATT&CK mitigation strategies that include limiting script execution privileges and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized information disclosure through memory-based attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper bounds checking and memory management in embedded JavaScript engines, particularly in security-critical applications where information disclosure can have cascading security implications.