CVE-2021-41097 Scanner

Aurelia Path is a JavaScript library used to handle URLs and paths within applications. It is commonly utilized by developers to manage client-side routing in single-page applications (SPAs). The library is part of the Aurelia framework, a popular platform for building modern web applications. Aurelia Path helps in parsing URLs and constructing path strings, typically aiding in application navigation. Developers and organizations use it to streamline routing processes in web applications, especially those built on Aurelia. Enterprises often employ this library in applications to enhance user experience through efficient path manipulation.

The vulnerability detected in Aurelia Path is a type of Prototype Pollution. This occurs when an attacker can inject properties into an object, potentially altering its behavior or access control. The prototype pollution vulnerability is introduced via user-supplied URL parameters that are improperly handled by the library. It allows malicious individuals to manipulate the Object.prototype, which can lead to unauthorized changes in the application's behavior. This type of vulnerability can have serious implications, especially in applications with inadequate input validation or sanitization. By exploiting this flaw, attackers can affect the internal logic of applications using Aurelia Path.

The technical details of the vulnerability involve the parseQueryString function in Aurelia Path, which processes URL parameters. The vulnerability arises when crafted __proto__ properties are passed through URLs. These properties, if not handled correctly, can manipulate the prototype object within JavaScript. The affected versions of Aurelia Path are those before 1.1.7, where inadequate checks and protections against this type of injection exist. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability need to have the application parse specially-crafted user-controlled URLs. A successful exploitation requires manipulating URL input that is then processed by the vulnerable function, leading to potential prototype pollution.

Exploiting the prototype pollution vulnerability can have a range of effects. Malicious actors can potentially inject properties that affect the behavior of an application, leading to unexpected functionality or sabotage. In some cases, this could manifest as unauthorized access, privilege escalation, or denial of service. The ability to modify object prototypes can severely impact application logic, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security controls or alter application flows. Depending on the application and its security posture, such vulnerabilities might open avenues for further exploitation. Mitigation often requires a thorough review of how URL parameters are processed by applications.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/aurelia/path/issues/44
• https://security.snyk.io/vuln/SNYK-JS-AURELIAPATH-1579475
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-41097