CVE-2020-28461 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2020-28461 article provides insights into a vulnerability known as Prototype Pollution affecting the js-ini package.

Understanding CVE-2020-28461

CVE-2020-28461, also known as Prototype Pollution, poses a high severity risk due to its impact on applications that parse INI files.

What is CVE-2020-28461?

CVE-2020-28461 is a vulnerability in the js-ini package before version 1.3.0. It allows attackers to manipulate the application's prototype by submitting a malicious INI file.

The Impact of CVE-2020-28461

CVSS Base Score: 7.3 (High)
Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: Low
Confidentiality Impact: Low
Integrity Impact: Low
Availability Impact: Low
Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to further exploitation based on the application's context.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-28461

CVE-2020-28461 involves the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to pollute the prototype of an application by submitting a malicious INI file for parsing.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: js-ini
Affected Version: < 1.3.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by submitting a crafted INI file to the application, leading to prototype pollution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2020-28461 with these strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update js-ini to version 1.3.0 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement input validation to prevent malicious INI file submissions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update dependencies to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates for the js-ini package to address vulnerabilities promptly.