External risk intelligence

Attacker can gain full control or crash systems using deephas

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2020-28271

An external attacker could exploit a flaw in deephas to gain control of systems, execute unauthorized code, or cause outages. This matters to the business as it could lead to a loss of sensitive data and operational disruption.

3Halo Surface Signal

Remote Code Execution

Sharpred Deephas

1.0.0 to 1.0.5

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2020-28271

The vulnerability affects a Node.js library used for data handling. While it is plausibly reachable from the internet if integrated into a public-facing web application or API that processes untrusted user input, the library itself is a backend component and not an inherently public-facing service, appliance, or gateway by design.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A prototype pollution vulnerability in the `deephas` Node.js library could allow an attacker to execute code remotely or cause a denial of service. This is significant because such libraries are often used in applications that handle user input, creating a potential pathway for attackers to compromise systems.

  • Can lead to remote code execution.
  • Affects applications using the `deephas` library.
  • High impact if reachable from the internet.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit this prototype pollution vulnerability by sending specially crafted input to applications that use `deephas` versions 1.0.0-1.0.5. This could lead to unintended modification of JavaScript object prototypes, potentially allowing for remote code execution or denial of service by manipulating application behavior.

  • No authentication required.
  • Exploitable via crafted input.
  • Affects Node.js applications.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

Prototype pollution in `deephas` versions 1.0.0 through 1.0.5 can lead to denial of service and potentially remote code execution. Attackers may find this appealing for its impact on JavaScript applications, but widespread weaponization might be limited by the library's specific use case and integration needs.

  • Exploitation is possible.
  • No public exploit code observed.
  • No KEV listing.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Prioritize blocking all network traffic to and from services utilizing `deephas` versions 1.0.0 through 1.0.5, as this prototype pollution vulnerability presents a critical risk of denial of service and potential remote code execution. If affected services are internet-facing, immediately isolate them to prevent exploitation.

  • Update `deephas` to the latest version.
  • Monitor for anomalous behavior.
  • Block all network access.

Frequently asked questions

What is the deephas Node.js library and why is it relevant to this threat advisory?

The deephas Node.js library is a software component used in applications that handle data. Versions 1.0.0 through 1.0.5 are affected by a critical prototype pollution vulnerability that could allow attackers to execute code remotely or cause a denial of service.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2020-28271 represent?

CVE-2020-28271 is a prototype pollution vulnerability, classified as CWE-1321. This weakness allows an attacker to alter fundamental properties of JavaScript objects, potentially leading to unintended application behavior, including remote code execution or denial of service.

How can an attacker trigger the vulnerability in deephas and what is the scope?

An attacker can trigger this vulnerability by sending specially crafted input to applications using deephas versions 1.0.0 through 1.0.5. This manipulation targets JavaScript object prototypes, potentially affecting Node.js applications that process untrusted user input.

What is the significance of CVE-2020-28271 in the context of the Halo Surface Signal?

Halo classifies CVE-2020-28271 as 'Possible' risk. While the vulnerability is critical and reachable from the internet if integrated into public-facing applications, deephas is a backend component, not an inherently public-facing service, which influences its overall risk score.

What is the recommended response to the deephas vulnerability?

To mitigate this critical risk, it is advised to update the deephas library to the latest version. If affected services are internet-facing, isolate them immediately. Monitoring for anomalous behavior and blocking unnecessary network access to these services are also recommended steps.

References