CVE-2024-11831 in npm-serialize-javascript
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2025
A flaw was found in npm-serialize-javascript. The vulnerability occurs because the serialize-javascript module does not properly sanitize certain inputs, such as regex or other JavaScript object types, allowing an attacker to inject malicious code. This code could be executed when deserialized by a web browser, causing Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. This issue is critical in environments where serialized data is sent to web clients, potentially compromising the security of the website or web application using this package.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-11831 resides within the npm-serialize-javascript module, a widely used library for serializing JavaScript objects into string representations. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that directly impacts web applications relying on client-side deserialization of serialized data. The module's failure to adequately sanitize input parameters creates a pathway for malicious actors to inject harmful code patterns during the serialization process, particularly targeting regex expressions and other JavaScript object types that may contain executable code. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of data serialization and client-side execution contexts, making it particularly dangerous in environments where serialized data flows from server to browser without proper validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the serialize-javascript library's processing logic. When JavaScript objects containing regex patterns or other complex data types are serialized, the module fails to properly escape or sanitize these elements before converting them to string format. This oversight allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that, when deserialized by web browsers, execute unintended JavaScript code within the victim's browser context. The vulnerability specifically affects the deserialization phase where the serialized string is interpreted and executed, creating a direct vector for cross-site scripting attacks. This weakness aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how improper input handling during serialization can lead to runtime code execution issues.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-11831 extends beyond simple XSS exploitation, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors including session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation within affected web applications. When applications using this module transmit serialized data to web clients, any user input that flows through the serialization process becomes a potential attack surface. The vulnerability's critical severity classification reflects its ability to compromise entire web applications, particularly those that rely on client-side processing of server-generated data. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious scripts that persist across user sessions, potentially affecting multiple users simultaneously. The impact is amplified in environments where the serialized data contains user-provided content or sensitive application state information, creating opportunities for advanced persistent threats.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from development teams and security administrators. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest patched version of the serialize-javascript module, which addresses the input sanitization issues through improved escaping mechanisms and comprehensive validation of serialized data. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including content security policy enforcement, input validation at multiple layers, and regular security scanning of npm dependencies. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1211, which covers lateral movement through malicious code injection, highlighting the need for comprehensive network monitoring and endpoint protection. Additional mitigations include implementing strict input validation for all data that passes through serialization processes, employing web application firewalls to detect suspicious patterns, and conducting regular security audits of third-party dependencies to identify similar vulnerabilities in other libraries.