CVE-2023-50710 in hono
Summary
by MITRE • 12/14/2023
Hono is a web framework written in TypeScript. Prior to version 3.11.7, clients may override named path parameter values from previous requests if the application is using TrieRouter. So, there is a risk that a privileged user may use unintended parameters when deleting REST API resources. TrieRouter is used either explicitly or when the application matches a pattern that is not supported by the default RegExpRouter. Version 3.11.7 includes the change to fix this issue. As a workaround, avoid using TrieRouter directly.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-50710 affects the Hono web framework, a popular TypeScript-based framework for building web applications. This security flaw exists in versions prior to 3.11.7 and relates to how the framework handles path parameter values during request processing. The issue specifically impacts applications that utilize the TrieRouter implementation, which serves as an alternative routing mechanism to the default RegExpRouter. When applications employ TrieRouter either explicitly or when encountering patterns unsupported by the default router, they become susceptible to parameter override attacks that can compromise API security.
The technical implementation flaw stems from improper handling of named path parameters within the TrieRouter component. In affected versions, the router fails to properly isolate parameter values from previous requests, allowing malicious actors to manipulate parameter values that should remain distinct between individual requests. This parameter contamination occurs because the routing system does not adequately clear or reset parameter state between concurrent or sequential requests. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for REST API operations involving resource deletion, where unintended parameter values could lead to unauthorized access or data manipulation. The flaw represents a classic case of improper input validation and state management, which aligns with CWE-20, "Improper Input Validation," and CWE-691, "Insufficient Control Flow Management." Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to perform unauthorized actions by injecting malicious parameter values that override legitimate ones.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple parameter contamination, potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks against REST API endpoints. When a privileged user makes requests through the affected framework, the parameter override could cause the system to process requests with unintended parameters, particularly during resource deletion operations. This creates a scenario where legitimate security controls could be bypassed, allowing unauthorized access to resources or modification of data that should be protected. The vulnerability affects applications that rely on TrieRouter for pattern matching, which can include complex routing scenarios that don't align with regular expression-based patterns. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a medium to high severity issue since it can be exploited to manipulate API behavior without requiring elevated privileges beyond normal user access. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts," and T1566.001, "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment," as it can be exploited through parameter manipulation rather than direct authentication bypass.
The remediation for CVE-2023-50710 requires upgrading to Hono version 3.11.7 or later, which includes the necessary fixes to properly isolate parameter values during request processing. The framework developers have addressed the root cause by implementing proper state management within the TrieRouter implementation. Organizations using affected versions should prioritize this upgrade as a critical security measure. In the interim, administrators can implement workarounds by avoiding direct usage of TrieRouter, which prevents the vulnerability from manifesting. This approach involves configuring applications to exclusively use RegExpRouter or alternative routing mechanisms that do not exhibit the parameter contamination behavior. Security teams should also implement monitoring for unusual parameter patterns in API requests and consider implementing additional validation layers to detect and prevent parameter manipulation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper state management in web frameworks and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation details can create significant security risks in API environments. Organizations should conduct thorough testing of their routing configurations after applying the fix to ensure that the parameter handling behavior aligns with expected security controls.