CVE-2019-10196 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability was identified in http-proxy-agent prior to version 2.1.0, allowing for a Denial of Service attack and potential data exposure through a memory leak.

Understanding CVE-2019-10196

Prior to version 2.1.0, a flaw in http-proxy-agent could lead to a Denial of Service attack and data exposure.

What is CVE-2019-10196?

The vulnerability in http-proxy-agent stems from improper handling of the auth option, potentially resulting in a Denial of Service attack and data exposure.

The Impact of CVE-2019-10196

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to a Denial of Service attack by causing excessive CPU resource usage and potential data exposure through a memory leak.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-10196

The technical aspects of the vulnerability in http-proxy-agent.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in how http-proxy-agent handles the auth option, lacking proper sanitization, which could be exploited for a Denial of Service attack and data exposure.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: nodejs-http-proxy-agent
Vendor: n/a
Versions affected: prior to nodejs-http-proxy-agent 2.1.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit the vulnerability by providing specific input to the auth parameter, causing a Denial of Service attack and potential data exposure.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2019-10196 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to version 2.1.0 or later of nodejs-http-proxy-agent to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor CPU resource usage for any unusual spikes that could indicate a potential attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and dependencies to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement input validation and sanitization to prevent similar issues in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches to address vulnerabilities.