CVE-2020-7788
Prototype Pollution vulnerability in ini
What is CVE-2020-7788 About?
The `ini` npm package before version 1.3.6 has a Prototype Pollution vulnerability. When an attacker submits a malicious INI file, `ini.parse` will pollute the `Object.prototype`, allowing for potential denial of service or arbitrary code execution. Exploitation is easy if an attacker can control INI file content parsed by the application.
Affected Software
Technical Details
The `ini` npm package, specifically versions prior to 1.3.6, is vulnerable to a Prototype Pollution attack. This occurs during the parsing of INI files by the `ini.parse` function. If an attacker crafts a malicious INI file containing sections like `[__proto__]` and assigns properties within it (e.g., `polluted = "polluted"`), the `ini.parse` function will incorrectly merge these properties directly onto the global `Object.prototype`. Once `Object.prototype` is polluted, any object in the JavaScript application that does not explicitly define these properties will inherit the attacker-defined values, potentially leading to altered program flow, denial of service (e.g., by causing unexpected errors), or in some scenarios, remote code execution by manipulating critical functions or configurations.
What is the Impact of CVE-2020-7788?
Successful exploitation may allow attackers to cause a denial of service, manipulate application logic, or potentially achieve arbitrary code execution, leading to data breaches or system compromise.
What is the Exploitability of CVE-2020-7788?
Exploitation complexity is low. An attacker needs to be able to provide a specially crafted INI file to an application that uses the vulnerable `ini.parse` function. No specific authentication or privilege is required; the attacker simply needs a mechanism to submit the malicious INI content. This is typically a remote attack if the application processes INI configuration from untrusted sources, or local if the attacker can modify configuration files. The primary prerequisite is an application using a vulnerable version of the `ini` package to parse untrusted INI data. The risk is increased in web applications that accept INI file uploads or configuration via user-controlled parameters, or in command-line tools that process INI files from external sources.
What are the Known Public Exploits?
| PoC Author | Link | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| No known exploits | ||
What are the Available Fixes for CVE-2020-7788?
About the Fix from Resolved Security
The patch prevents assignment of values to the special key __proto__ during INI parsing, blocking malicious input from polluting the JavaScript object prototype. This mitigates prototype pollution, which is the core issue in CVE-2020-7788, ensuring attackers cannot manipulate global object properties via crafted configuration files.
Available Upgrade Options
- ini
- <1.3.6 → Upgrade to 1.3.6
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Book a demoAdditional Resources
- https://snyk.io/vuln/SNYK-JS-INI-1048974
- https://github.com/npm/ini
- https://github.com/npm/ini/commit/56d2805e07ccd94e2ba0984ac9240ff02d44b6f1
- https://snyk.io/vuln/SNYK-JS-INI-1048974
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-7788
- https://github.com/npm/ini/commit/56d2805e07ccd94e2ba0984ac9240ff02d44b6f1
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2020/12/msg00032.html
- https://osv.dev/vulnerability/GHSA-qqgx-2p2h-9c37
- https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/1589
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2020/12/msg00032.html
What are Similar Vulnerabilities to CVE-2020-7788?
Similar Vulnerabilities: CVE-2020-7768 , CVE-2020-7760 , CVE-2020-7769 , CVE-2020-7770 , CVE-2020-7771
