CVE-2017-16098 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2017-16098 article provides insights into a vulnerability in the charset node module by HackerOne, leading to regular expression denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2017-16098

This CVE, published on April 26, 2018, highlights a vulnerability in versions of the charset node module.

What is CVE-2017-16098?

The charset node module versions prior to 1.0.0 are prone to regular expression denial of service.
Exploiting this vulnerability requires input of approximately 50,000 characters, causing a delay of about 2 seconds.
If node was compiled without the -DHTTP_MAX_HEADER_SIZE= option, the default maximum length of headers is 80kb, resulting in minimal impact from the ReDoS vulnerability.

The Impact of CVE-2017-16098

The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service attack, slowing down the system significantly.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-16098

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in charset node module versions <1.0.0 allows for regular expression denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: charset node module
Vendor: HackerOne
Vulnerable Versions: <1.0.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Requires input of around 50,000 characters to cause a delay of approximately 2 seconds.
Impact minimized if node was compiled without the -DHTTP_MAX_HEADER_SIZE= option.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2017-16098 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the charset node module to a version above 1.0.0 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement input validation to restrict the length of user inputs.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update dependencies to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Conduct security audits and testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from HackerOne and the charset node module community.