CVE-2017-16082 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

The pg module has identified a vulnerability that allows for remote code execution when a specially crafted column name is specified in a remote database or query. This CVE affects the pg node module by HackerOne.

Understanding CVE-2017-16082

What is CVE-2017-16082?

CVE-2017-16082 is a remote code execution vulnerability found in the pg module, allowing malicious actors to execute code remotely under specific conditions.

The Impact of CVE-2017-16082

The vulnerability enables remote code execution through specially crafted column names in a database or query, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-16082

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises when executing unsafe SQL with a malicious column name provided by the user or connecting to an untrusted database and executing a query with malicious column names.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: pg node module
Vendor: HackerOne
Affected Versions: < 2.11.2, >= 3.0.0 < 3.6.4, >= 4.0.0 < 4.5.7, >= 5.0.0 < 5.2.1, >= 6.0.0 < 6.0.5, >= 6.1.0 < 6.1.6, >= 6.2.0 < 6.2.5, >= 6.3.0 < 6.3.3, >= 6.4.0 < 6.4.2, >= 7.0.0 < 7.0.2, >= 7.1.0 < 7.1.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by executing SQL with malicious column names or connecting to untrusted databases that return results with malicious column names.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the pg node module to a non-vulnerable version.
Avoid executing SQL queries with user-supplied data.
Connect only to trusted databases.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries.
Implement input validation to prevent SQL injection attacks.
Conduct security audits and code reviews.

Patching and Updates

Ensure all systems using the pg node module are updated to versions that address the vulnerability.