Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
This advisory concerns a vulnerability in Orval, a tool used for generating code from API specifications. The issue could allow an attacker to execute code in development or build environments by providing specially crafted input that is then processed without proper sanitization.
- Code generation tool vulnerability allows code execution.
- Impacts developer, CI, and test environments.
- Confirm relevance and exposure in your supply chain.
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
An attacker could compromise a developer's system by influencing the OpenAPI or Swagger specifications that the Orval tool processes. When Orval generates code, it can embed attacker-controlled JavaScript from a header parameter's default value into a template. This malicious code can then execute when the generated code is imported and used in a developer's environment.
- Requires control over API specifications.
- Vulnerable code generated from specifications.
- Risk of code execution in developer environments.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
When Orval generates JavaScript clients from OpenAPI specifications, a vulnerability in header parameter defaults could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript code. This occurs when the generated zod schema module is imported, potentially affecting the developer, CI, test, or application environments where the code is generated or used.
- Code execution in development environments.
- Importing generated schema modules.
- Compromise of development workflows.
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
This vulnerability affects Orval, a tool used for generating type-safe JavaScript clients from OpenAPI specifications. The risk is to development, CI, or test environments where the generated code is imported, potentially leading to code execution. The first practical step is to confirm which development pipelines or local developer machines use Orval for code generation, assess the impact if these environments are compromised, and then plan remediation by updating the tool.
- Development and security teams should own this.
- Verify Orval usage in build/CI pipelines.
- Update Orval to the fixed version.
