CVE-2025-57317 in apidoc-core
Summary
by MITRE • 09/25/2025
apidoc-core is the core parser library to generate apidoc result following the apidoc-spec. A Prototype Pollution vulnerability in the preProcess function of apidoc-core versions thru 0.15.0 allows attackers to inject properties on Object.prototype via supplying a crafted payload, causing denial of service (DoS) as the minimum consequence.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-57317 affects the apidoc-core library, which serves as the fundamental parser component for generating API documentation according to the apidoc-spec specification. This core library is widely utilized in API development and documentation frameworks, making it a critical component in the software development lifecycle. The vulnerability manifests within the preProcess function of apidoc-core versions up to and including 0.15.0, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to exploit a prototype pollution flaw that can fundamentally compromise application security.
Prototype pollution represents a significant class of vulnerabilities classified under CWE-1321, where attackers can manipulate the prototype of JavaScript objects through crafted input data. In this specific instance, the vulnerability occurs when the preProcess function fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into the object prototype chain. The flaw enables attackers to inject arbitrary properties directly onto Object.prototype, which then propagates to all objects that inherit from this prototype. This creates a persistent vulnerability that can affect any code that relies on standard JavaScript object behavior, potentially leading to cascading security issues throughout the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions as initially described. While the minimum consequence is indeed DoS, the prototype pollution vulnerability can enable more sophisticated attacks including but not limited to property injection, method override, and potential remote code execution depending on the application's context and subsequent code execution paths. The attack vector requires an attacker to provide a crafted payload that can be processed by the preProcess function, which could occur during API documentation generation when user input is not properly sanitized. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where apidoc-core is used in conjunction with other libraries or frameworks that might be susceptible to prototype pollution attacks, creating potential chain reactions that could compromise entire application stacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-57317 must focus on immediate remediation through version updates to apidoc-core 0.15.1 or later, which contain patches addressing the prototype pollution vulnerability in the preProcess function. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing affected versions of apidoc-core and prioritize their remediation. Additionally, implementing input validation and sanitization measures at multiple layers of the application architecture can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the importance of securing all application interfaces that process user input. Regular security scanning and dependency monitoring should be implemented to prevent similar issues from arising in the future, as prototype pollution vulnerabilities often remain undetected until exploited in production environments.