Node: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command
CVE-2022-43548 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command vulnerability in Node from Node.js, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 4.*, 5.*, 6.* as the first without the flaw, so updating Node to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 14.9% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 3.24% of all scored CVEs.
EPSS places it among the vulnerabilities most likely to be exploited soon.
What to do
- Update Node to 4.* or 5.* or 6.* or 7.*, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update Node.js to 14.21.1 or 16.18.1, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on nodejs.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Node.js | Node | 4.0 up to, but not including, 4.*; 5.0 up to, but not including, 5.*; 6.0 up to, but not including, 6.*; 7.0 up to, but not including, 7.*; 8.0 up to, but not including, 8.*; 9.0 up to, but not including, 9.*; 10.0 up to, but not including, 10.*; 11.0 up to, but not including, 11.*; and 8 more ranges | 4.*, 5.*, 6.*, 7.*, 8.*, 9.* |
| Node.js | Node.js | 14.0.0 through 14.14.0; 14.15.0 up to, but not including, 14.21.1; 16.0.0 through 16.12.0; 16.13.0 up to, but not including, 16.18.1; 18.0.0 through 18.11.0; 18.12.0; 19.0.0 | 14.21.1, 16.18.1 |
| Debian | Debian Linux | 10.0; 11.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 | High | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
A OS Command Injection vulnerability exists in Node.js versions <14.21.1, <16.18.1, <18.12.1, <19.0.1 due to an insufficient IsAllowedHost check that can easily be bypassed because IsIPAddress does not properly check if an IP address is invalid before making DBS requests allowing rebinding attacks.The fix for this issue in https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2022-32212 was incomplete and this new CVE is to complete the fix.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command
The product constructs all or part of an OS command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended OS command before it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- For any data that will be used to generate a command to be executed, keep as much of that data out of external control as possible. For example, in web applications, this may require storing the data locally in the session's state instead of sending it out to the client in a hidden form field.
- For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command vulnerabilities (CWE-78)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2023/02/msg00038.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
- security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20230120-0004/Third Party Advisory
- debian.org/security/2023/dsa-5326Third Party Advisory
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Node
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
Cacti Command Injection Exploited
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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