CVE-2024-36138

Overview

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. It offers an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model that makes it lightweight and efficient, and is widely used in server-side applications.

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An Command Injection vulnerability has been identified in Node.js. The issue stems from improper handling of batch files with all possible extensions on Windows via child_process.spawn / child_process.spawnSync. This weakness allows attackers to inject arbitrary commands and achieve code execution even if the shell option is not enabled.

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This vulnerability affects specific versions of the package and can result in total compromise of the system. Details on affected versions and reproduction steps are provided below.

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Details

Module Info

• ‍Affected packages: Node.js‍
• Affected versions: 4.0 < 18.20.4, 20.0 < 20.15.1, 22.0< 22.4.1 ‍
• GitHub repository: https://github.com/nodejs/node‍
• Published packages: https://github.com/nodejs/node/releases‍
• Package manager: npm‍
• Fixed in: Node.js NES version 16
  

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Vulnerability Info

The issue stems from improper handling of batch files with all possible extensions on Windows.

For instance, in a scenario where a malicious command line argument is provided, if the shell option is not enabled, the system can execute arbitrary commands. This behavior can be exploited by attackers to achieve code execution.

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This vulnerability is a result of flawed logic, and may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code.

- https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2024-36138

- https://owasp.org/www-community/attacks/Command_Injection

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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.

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Credits

• tianst