CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-27980NVD status: Deferred

Node: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2024-27980 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in Node from Node.js, with a CVSS 3.0 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 1.4% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 73% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Node to 4.* or 5.* or 6.* or 7.*, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Node.jsNode4.0 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 10 more ranges4.*, 5.*, 6.*, 7.*, 8.*, 9.*

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:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (hackerone.com).

Official description

Due to the improper handling of batch files in child_process.spawn / child_process.spawnSync, a malicious command line argument can inject arbitrary commands and achieve code execution even if the shell option is not enabled.

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 a Command

The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when 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.
  • If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
  • Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.

More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in Node

All Node vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities

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