CVE-2019-5739 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2019-5739, a Node.js vulnerability allowing DoS attacks by keeping HTTP and HTTPS connections open and inactive. Find mitigation steps here.
In Node.js versions 6.16.0 and earlier, a vulnerability exists where both HTTP and HTTPS connections with keep-alive enabled can remain open and inactive for up to 2 minutes, potentially leading to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. Node.js 8.0.0 and 6.17.0 introduced a fix by implementing a dedicated server.keepAliveTimeout with a default value of 5 seconds.
Understanding CVE-2019-5739
This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Node.js versions prior to 6.17.0 that could be exploited for DoS attacks.
What is CVE-2019-5739?
CVE-2019-5739 is a vulnerability in Node.js versions 6.16.0 and earlier that allows keep-alive connections to remain open and inactive for up to 2 minutes, posing a risk of DoS attacks.
The Impact of CVE-2019-5739
The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to launch DoS attacks by keeping HTTP and HTTPS connections open and inactive for an extended period.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-5739
Node.js versions prior to 6.17.0 are affected by this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The issue allows for keep-alive connections to stay open and inactive for up to 2 minutes, creating a potential DoS attack vector.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Node.js
- Vendor: Node.js
- Versions Affected: All versions prior to 6.17.0
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by maintaining inactive HTTP and HTTPS connections for an extended period, leading to resource exhaustion and potential DoS attacks.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2019-5739 and prevent potential DoS attacks, follow these steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade Node.js to version 6.17.0 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Implement network security measures to detect and block suspicious traffic.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update Node.js to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Monitor network traffic for unusual patterns that may indicate DoS attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches and updates provided by Node.js to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.