CVE-2018-3738 : Security Advisory and Response

protobufjs is vulnerable to ReDoS when parsing manipulated invalid .proto files.

Understanding CVE-2018-3738

When parsing crafted invalid .proto files, a vulnerability in protobufjs allows for ReDoS exploitation.

What is CVE-2018-3738?

Vulnerability in protobufjs node module that enables ReDoS through manipulated invalid .proto files.

The Impact of CVE-2018-3738

Allows attackers to exploit the vulnerability for ReDoS attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-3738

Vulnerability Description

Vulnerability in protobufjs node module that can be exploited for ReDoS when parsing manipulated invalid .proto files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: protobufjs node module
Vendor: HackerOne
Versions affected: Up to and including 6.8.5

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit crafted invalid .proto files to trigger ReDoS in protobufjs.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update protobufjs to version 6.8.6 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and review .proto files for any suspicious or manipulated content.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation mechanisms to detect and prevent crafted invalid files.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to avoid vulnerabilities like ReDoS.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for protobufjs and promptly apply patches to address vulnerabilities.