CVE-2019-10761 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2019-10761, also known as Sandbox Bypass, affects the vm2 package before version 3.6.11. It allows for the execution of arbitrary code through a child_process spawn due to a RangeError exception triggered by infinite recursion.

Understanding CVE-2019-10761

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the vm2 package that enables the execution of arbitrary code by bypassing the sandbox environment.

What is CVE-2019-10761?

The issue arises from exceeding the stack call limit through infinite recursion, leading to a RangeError exception in the host environment instead of the isolated context. This allows unauthorized access to the mainModule property of the host code, facilitating the execution of arbitrary code.

The Impact of CVE-2019-10761

The vulnerability has a high severity rating with a CVSS base score of 8.3. It requires no privileges for exploitation and can result in the execution of arbitrary code.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-10761

This section provides more in-depth technical details about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in vm2 before version 3.6.11 allows for a sandbox bypass, enabling the execution of arbitrary code through a child_process spawn.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: vm2
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions Affected: < 3.6.11

Exploitation Mechanism

By triggering a RangeError exception in the host environment via infinite recursion, attackers can access the mainModule property of the host code and execute arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-10761 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the vm2 package to version 3.6.11 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unauthorized child_process spawns in the application.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent stack call limit bypasses.
Regularly audit and update dependencies to address known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply official fixes and patches provided by the vm2 package maintainers.