CVE-2024-21528 in node-gettext
Summary
by MITRE • 09/10/2024
All versions of the package node-gettext are vulnerable to Prototype Pollution via the addTranslations() function in gettext.js due to improper user input sanitization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-21528 affects the node-gettext package, a widely used JavaScript library for internationalization and localization in node.js applications. This issue manifests as a prototype pollution vulnerability within the addTranslations() function of the gettext.js module, representing a critical security flaw that can be exploited across multiple application contexts. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of user-provided input parameters, allowing attackers to manipulate the prototype of JavaScript objects through carefully crafted translation data.
The technical flaw occurs when the addTranslations() function processes translation objects without properly validating the structure or content of incoming data. This function accepts translation dictionaries that may contain keys designed to pollute the Object.prototype chain, enabling attackers to inject malicious properties into the prototype of all objects. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the inherent nature of JavaScript prototypes, where modifications to the prototype affect all instances of objects that inherit from it. When an application uses node-gettext to process user-supplied translation files or API responses containing maliciously crafted keys, the prototype pollution can lead to unexpected behavior throughout the application's execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as prototype pollution can enable various attack vectors including denial of service conditions, arbitrary code execution, and information disclosure. Applications that rely on node-gettext for handling translation data may become vulnerable to attacks where an attacker can manipulate the prototype of core JavaScript objects, potentially affecting the application's behavior and security posture. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications where translation data might come from untrusted sources such as user uploads, third-party APIs, or configuration files that could be compromised.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of the CWE-471 classification for prototype pollution, which is categorized under the broader set of weaknesses related to improper handling of object prototypes in programming languages. The attack surface for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection and T1211 for exploitation of vulnerable libraries, making it a significant concern for organizations maintaining node.js applications. Organizations should prioritize updating their node-gettext dependencies to versions that properly sanitize input parameters and validate translation data structures before processing. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of application architecture, including API gateways and user input processors, can provide defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Regular security scanning of npm dependencies and maintaining up-to-date security patches for all third-party libraries remains essential for preventing exploitation of similar prototype pollution vulnerabilities in the broader software ecosystem.