CVE-2019-17426 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Automattic Mongoose up to version 5.7.4 has a vulnerability that could allow attackers to bypass access control in certain applications by exploiting the handling of the "_bsontype" attribute in query objects.

Understanding CVE-2019-17426

This CVE involves a specific issue in Automattic Mongoose that affects its access control mechanisms.

What is CVE-2019-17426?

The vulnerability in Automattic Mongoose up to version 5.7.4 allows attackers to bypass access control in certain applications due to the mishandling of the "_bsontype" attribute in query objects.

The Impact of CVE-2019-17426

The vulnerability could potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and compromise the security of affected applications.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-17426

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the fact that the query object in Mongoose ignores any attribute labeled as "_bsontype", which can be exploited by attackers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Automattic Mongoose
Versions affected: Up to version 5.7.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can bypass access control by including "_bsontype":"a" in a query filter, leading to potential interference.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability is crucial to maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Automattic Mongoose to a patched version that addresses this vulnerability.
Monitor for any unauthorized access attempts or unusual activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update access control mechanisms in applications.
Conduct security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.