CVE-2024-39016 in utils-1
Summary
by MITRE • 07/01/2024
che3vinci c3/utils-1 1.0.131 was discovered to contain a prototype pollution via the function assign. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via injecting arbitrary properties.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-39016 resides within the che3vinci c3/utils-1 1.0.131 library, representing a critical prototype pollution flaw that undermines the integrity of JavaScript applications relying on this component. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the assign function, which fails to properly sanitize input parameters before incorporating them into object prototypes. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious properties into the prototype chain of objects, thereby compromising the application's execution environment and potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions.
Prototype pollution vulnerabilities occur when an application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input that is used to modify object prototypes. In this case, the assign function within the c3/utils-1 library does not adequately check or filter incoming data before merging it with existing objects. This allows attackers to manipulate the prototype of objects, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential security breaches. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through various attack vectors including API endpoints, user input fields, or even through deserialization of untrusted data. According to CWE-471, this represents a specific instance of improper handling of prototype pollution where an application modifies the prototype of a built-in object, thereby affecting all instances of that object throughout the application's lifecycle.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-39016 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full arbitrary code execution capabilities. When an attacker successfully injects properties into the prototype, they can potentially override existing methods or introduce new malicious methods that execute in the context of the application. This vulnerability affects applications that use the affected library for object manipulation, configuration management, or data processing tasks. The attack surface is particularly wide since the assign function is commonly used in many JavaScript applications for merging configuration objects, handling user data, or processing API responses. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code through manipulation of the prototype chain.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-39016 require immediate attention from organizations utilizing the affected che3vinci c3/utils-1 library. The primary remediation involves updating to a patched version of the library where the assign function properly validates and sanitizes input parameters before merging them with existing objects. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that prevent prototype pollution by filtering out potentially malicious property names such as constructor, prototype, or _proto_. Additionally, defensive programming practices including the use of Object.freeze(), Object.preventExtensions(), and careful object property management should be implemented. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protections such as prototype pollution detection mechanisms and monitoring for unusual object property modifications. Regular security assessments and dependency updates should be prioritized to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the application stack, as prototype pollution remains a persistent threat in modern web applications.