parse-server: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
CVE-2024-29027 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component vulnerability in parse-server from Parse-community, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.0 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 6.5.5, 7.0.0-alpha.29 as the first without the flaw, so updating parse-server to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.19% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 68% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update parse-server to 6.5.5 or 7.0.0-alpha.29, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on github.com 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parse-community | parse-server | < 6.5.5; >= 7.0.0-alpha.1, < 7.0.0-alpha.29; before 6.5.5; 7.0.0-alpha.1 up to, but not including, 7.0.0-alpha.29 | 6.5.5, 7.0.0-alpha.29 |
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
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
Parse Server is an open source backend that can be deployed to any infrastructure that can run Node.js. Prior to versions 6.5.5 and 7.0.0-alpha.29, calling an invalid Parse Server Cloud Function name or Cloud Job name crashes the server and may allow for code injection, internal store manipulation or remote code execution. The patch in versions 6.5.5 and 7.0.0-alpha.29 added string sanitation for Cloud Function name and Cloud Job name. As a workaround, sanitize the Cloud Function name and Cloud Job name before it reaches Parse Server.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Programming languages and supporting technologies might be chosen which are not subject to these issues.
- Utilize an appropriate mix of allowlist and denylist parsing to filter control-plane syntax from all input.
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
Patches and release notes
- github.com/parse-community/parse-server/commit/5ae6d6a36d75c4511029f0ba5673ae4b2999179b
- github.com/parse-community/parse-server/commit/9f6e3429d3b326cf4e2994733c618d08032fac6e
- github.com/parse-community/parse-server/releases/tag/6.5.5Release Notes
- github.com/parse-community/parse-server/releases/tag/7.0.0-alpha.29Release Notes
Other vulnerabilities in parse-server
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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