CVE-2021-23568 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-23568, a vulnerability related to Prototype Pollution in the extend2 package before version 1.0.1.

Understanding CVE-2021-23568

CVE-2021-23568 is a security vulnerability that allows for Prototype Pollution via the extend function in the extend2 package due to unsafe recursive merge.

What is CVE-2021-23568?

The package extend2 before version 1.0.1 is vulnerable to Prototype Pollution, a vulnerability that can be exploited to manipulate properties of an object in JavaScript.

The Impact of CVE-2021-23568

With a CVSS base score of 7.3, this vulnerability has a high severity impact. It can be exploited remotely without requiring privileges, leading to potential data integrity and availability issues.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-23568

This section covers a detailed technical overview of the CVE-2021-23568 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from unsafe recursive merge operations in the extend function of the extend2 package, allowing attackers to conduct Prototype Pollution attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The extend2 package versions prior to 1.0.1 are affected by this vulnerability, leaving systems using these versions at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-23568 involves leveraging the extend function to inject malicious properties into an object, potentially leading to further security compromises.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-23568 and enhance security posture, the following mitigation strategies are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update extend2 package to a version greater than or equal to 1.0.1 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unauthorized changes in the object properties that could indicate a compromise.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit code for unsafe operations like recursive merging that can lead to security vulnerabilities.
Stay informed about security updates and best practices to protect against evolving threats.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely patching of software components and dependencies to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-23568 and mitigate associated risks.