CVE-2018-16491 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A security issue in the node.extend library version <1.1.7, ~<2.0.1 allows attackers to add arbitrary properties to Object.prototype.

Understanding CVE-2018-16491

This CVE involves a prototype pollution vulnerability in node.extend <1.1.7, ~<2.0.1, enabling attackers to inject properties into Object.prototype.

What is CVE-2018-16491?

CVE-2018-16491 is a security flaw in the node.extend library that permits attackers to manipulate Object.prototype by injecting arbitrary properties.

The Impact of CVE-2018-16491

The vulnerability can lead to Denial of Service (CWE-400) attacks, potentially disrupting the availability of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-16491

This section provides detailed technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The security flaw in node.extend <1.1.7, ~<2.0.1 allows attackers to add any desired properties to the Object.prototype, leading to potential security risks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: node.extend
Vendor: HackerOne
Versions Affected: <1.1.7, ~<2.0.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by injecting arbitrary properties into Object.prototype, potentially causing Denial of Service attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-16491 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update node.extend to versions 1.1.7 or 2.0.1 and above to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement input validation to prevent malicious injections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update libraries to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits to identify and address potential security weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by HackerOne promptly to secure the affected systems.