Overview
Node.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. It offers a rich library of various JavaScript modules and is widely used in server-side applications.
An Authentication Bypass vulnerability has been identified in Node.js. The issue stems from the use of Module._load() which can bypass the policy mechanism and require modules outside of the policy.json definition for a given module. This weakness allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to modules.
This vulnerability affects specific versions of the package and can result in unauthorized access. Details on affected versions and reproduction steps are provided below.
Details
Module Info
Affected packages: Node.js
Affected versions: 4 <= 16.20.1, 18 <= 18.17.0, 20 <= 20.5.0
GitHub repository: https://github.com/nodejs/node
Published packages: https://github.com/nodejs/node/releases
Package manager: npm
Fixed in: NES for Node.js version 14.
Vulnerability Info
In a Node.js application, if the policy mechanism is enabled, the system may incorrectly load unauthorized modules. This behavior can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive modules.
This vulnerability is a result of flawed logic, and may allow attackers to bypass security policies.
- https://hackerone.com/reports/1960870
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20230915-0009/
Credits
- mattaustin
Mitigation
This vulnerability is not fixed upstream due to the release line being EOL. Herodevs has issued patched builds under the NES (Never Ending Support) line.
- Update to a patched LTS version of Node.js
- Leverage a commercial support partner like HeroDevs for post-EOL security.
Refer to the NES documentation for upgrade instructions.
