CVE-2024-51999 In Express: Impact & Fix For OnlineCV

by Alex Johnson 53 views

This article delves into the details of CVE-2024-51999, a medium severity vulnerability detected in the express-4.16.4.tgz library within the kapseliboi's OnlineCV project. We will explore the nature of the vulnerability, its potential impact, and the recommended steps to mitigate it. This vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping your dependencies up-to-date and understanding the security implications of the libraries you use. Ignoring such vulnerabilities can lead to serious security breaches, so understanding and addressing them is crucial for maintaining a secure application.

Vulnerable Library: express-4.16.4.tgz

The vulnerability exists in express-4.16.4.tgz, a popular web framework for Node.js. Express is known for being a fast, unopinionated, and minimalist framework, making it a common choice for building web applications and APIs. However, like any software, it's susceptible to vulnerabilities. This specific instance, CVE-2024-51999, underscores the need for developers to stay vigilant and promptly address security concerns in their dependencies. Knowing which libraries are vulnerable and where they are located within your project is the first step toward securing your application.

  • Library Description: Fast, unopinionated, minimalist web framework
  • Library Home Page: https://registry.npmjs.org/express/-/express-4.16.4.tgz
  • Path to Dependency File: /client/package.json
  • Path to Vulnerable Library: /client/node_modules/express/package.json, /admin/node_modules/express/package.json, /node_modules/express/package.json
  • Dependency Hierarchy:
    • :x: express-4.16.4.tgz (Vulnerable Library)
  • Found in HEAD commit: 5ce352c75fbe6372f4f2df4d5ed63e7ced820f77
  • Found in base branch: master

The vulnerability was identified within the specified file paths in the OnlineCV project, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive scan across all project directories. It's crucial to understand the dependency hierarchy to ensure that all instances of the vulnerable library are addressed. The presence of the vulnerability in the master branch means it is potentially present in the production environment, making remediation a priority.

Vulnerability Details: CVE-2024-51999

This vulnerability arises from how Express handles query parameters when using the extended query parser ('query parser': 'extended'). In vulnerable versions, the request.query object inherits all properties of the object prototype. This means that an attacker can potentially overwrite these inherited properties by crafting a malicious query string. This can lead to unexpected behavior and potentially compromise the application's security. Understanding the root cause of a vulnerability is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies. In this case, the vulnerability stems from the interaction between the extended query parser and the way JavaScript objects inherit properties.

The vulnerability specifically impacts users employing the extended query parser, which is the default setting in Express 4. Express 5, however, defaults to the simple query parser, mitigating this particular issue. It's important to note this distinction, as upgrading to Express 5, while a recommended long-term solution, might require code adjustments due to changes in other framework functionalities.

Impact of the Vulnerability

The impact of CVE-2024-51999 is significant because it allows for potential manipulation of object properties through crafted query strings. While the confidentiality and availability impacts are rated as none, the integrity impact is rated as low. This means that an attacker could potentially modify the application's behavior or data by exploiting this vulnerability. The specific consequences of such manipulation would depend on the application's logic and how it uses the request.query object. The potential for integrity compromise makes this vulnerability a serious concern, even with a medium severity rating.

Patch and Workarounds

The vulnerability has been patched in newer versions of Express, ensuring that the request.query object is a plain object, thus preventing the inheritance of prototype properties. This fix aligns the behavior of the extended query parser with the simple query parser in Express 5. Upgrading to a patched version is the recommended solution. Staying informed about available patches and updates is a critical aspect of proactive security management.

If upgrading immediately isn't feasible, a workaround exists for users who are unable to upgrade right away. This involves explicitly configuring the query parser to use the qs library with the plainObjects: true option. This effectively prevents the vulnerability by ensuring that the query string is parsed into a plain JavaScript object. Implementing workarounds can provide temporary protection while planning and executing a full upgrade.

app.set('query parser', function (str) {
  return qs.parse(str, { plainObjects: true });
});

CVSS 3 Score Details (5.3)

The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) assigns a score of 5.3 to CVE-2024-51999, classifying it as a medium severity vulnerability. This score provides a standardized measure of the vulnerability's severity based on various factors, including exploitability and impact metrics. Understanding the CVSS score helps prioritize remediation efforts and allocate resources effectively.

Base Score Metrics:

  • Exploitability Metrics:
    • Attack Vector: Network
    • Attack Complexity: Low
    • Privileges Required: None
    • User Interaction: None
    • Scope: Unchanged
  • Impact Metrics:
    • Confidentiality Impact: None
    • Integrity Impact: Low
    • Availability Impact: None

The CVSS score breakdown reveals that the vulnerability is easily exploitable over the network, requiring no privileges or user interaction. The low integrity impact contributes to the medium severity rating. For more detailed information on CVSS3 scores, you can refer to the CVSS 3.0 Calculator. Consulting the CVSS score details can provide a more nuanced understanding of the vulnerability's risk profile.

Suggested Fix: Upgrade Version

The primary recommendation for addressing CVE-2024-51999 is to upgrade to a patched version of Express. Specifically, versions 4.22.0 and 5.2.0 and later contain the fix for this vulnerability. Upgrading ensures that the application benefits from the security patch and any other improvements and bug fixes included in the new release. Prioritizing upgrades is a cornerstone of proactive vulnerability management.

The provided links offer further information about the vulnerability and the fix. Reviewing advisories and release notes can provide additional context and guidance for the upgrade process.

Conclusion

CVE-2024-51999 is a medium severity vulnerability in express-4.16.4.tgz that can potentially compromise the integrity of applications using the extended query parser. Upgrading to a patched version of Express (4.22.0 or 5.2.0 or later) is the recommended solution. If immediate upgrading is not possible, implementing the provided workaround can offer temporary protection. Regularly monitoring for vulnerabilities and keeping dependencies up-to-date are essential practices for maintaining the security of web applications. By understanding the nature and impact of vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-51999, developers can take proactive steps to mitigate risks and protect their applications. Don't forget to always prioritize security and stay informed about the latest vulnerabilities affecting your technology stack.

For further information on web application security best practices, consider exploring resources from trusted organizations like OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project). This will help you stay informed and ensure your applications are as secure as possible.

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