CVE-2024-37372 in Node.js
Summary
by MITRE • 01/09/2025
The Permission Model assumes that any path starting with two backslashes \ has a four-character prefix that can be ignored, which is not always true. This subtle bug leads to vulnerable edge cases.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-37372 resides within the Permission Model implementation where the system makes an incorrect assumption about network path handling. This flaw specifically targets paths that begin with double backslashes, a common convention in Windows networking for accessing remote shares. The model erroneously presumes that any path starting with \ has a four-character prefix that can be safely ignored, a simplification that breaks down in certain edge cases where this assumption does not hold true.
This technical flaw represents a classic case of improper input validation and path parsing logic that violates fundamental security principles. The assumption that all UNC (Universal Naming Convention) paths beginning with double backslashes contain a predictable four-character prefix creates a path traversal vulnerability where the system may incorrectly interpret or process network paths. When the prefix assumption fails, the permission model may grant inappropriate access rights or misclassify file access requests, potentially allowing unauthorized operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple permission misclassification. Attackers could exploit this weakness to bypass access controls by crafting specific network paths that exploit the flawed parsing logic. This could enable unauthorized file access, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration depending on the system's security architecture. The vulnerability's subtle nature means it may not manifest in all environments, making it particularly dangerous as it could remain undetected while still providing potential attack vectors.
Security professionals should approach this vulnerability with attention to both defensive and detection measures. The flaw aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write patterns, representing a form of input sanitization failure that could lead to broader access control bypasses. Organizations should implement comprehensive path validation routines that do not rely on assumptions about path prefixes, particularly in network-based access control systems. Regular security audits should focus on permission model implementations to identify similar assumptions that may lead to privilege escalation or unauthorized access scenarios.
The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of rigorous input validation in security-critical systems, particularly those handling network paths or file access operations. Effective mitigations include implementing strict path parsing rules that validate the structure of network paths before processing them, removing assumptions about path prefixes, and conducting thorough testing of edge cases in permission handling logic. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's subtle nature makes it challenging to detect through standard security scanning tools alone.