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CVE-2021-33587: High Vulnerability in css-what Project

CVE-2021-33587 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the css-what package versions 4.0.0 to 5.0.0 for Node.js. It lacks proper handling of attribute parsing, leading to potential denial of service. Immediate remediation is advised.

HIGHCVSS 7.5 · Published May 28, 2021

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CVE-2021-33587 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the css-what package versions 4.0.0 through 5.0.0 for Node.js. The vulnerability allows for improper handling of attribute parsing, which does not ensure Linear Time Complexity relative to the size of the input. This could lead to denial of service conditions, as the performance degradation may be exploited by attackers.

The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.5, indicating a high severity level due to its potential impact on availability. Organizations using affected versions should act quickly to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.

As of now, there is no known public exploit available, and the issue has not been classified as actively exploited. However, given its nature, organizations should prioritize patching immediately to safeguard against any potential exploitation.

Organizations should assess their usage of the css-what package and implement remediation strategies as soon as possible to prevent any degradation in service.

Vulnerability Details

The css-what package versions 4.0.0 through 5.0.0 for Node.js does not ensure that attribute parsing has Linear Time Complexity relative to the size of the input. This vulnerability has been classified with a CVSS score of 7.5, indicating a high severity level. The affected products include the css-what package and the NetApp E-Series Performance Analyzer.

The vulnerability was published on May 28, 2021, and has received a modification in its status since then. The lack of proper parsing could lead to denial of service due to high resource consumption.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of CVE-2021-33587 stems from insufficient validation of input sizes during attribute parsing. The attack vector is network-based, making it accessible to attackers without requiring any authentication or user interaction. The attack complexity is classified as low, indicating that it can be executed with minimal effort.

The vulnerability affects the availability of the application, as it can lead to resource exhaustion. Confidentiality and integrity impacts are not applicable in this case.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Risk to organizations includes potential outages and degraded performance of applications utilizing the css-what package. The vulnerability could be exploited through simple network requests, thereby increasing the risk of denial of service.

With a CVSS score of 7.5, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The urgency is heightened due to the potential for attackers to exploit the vulnerability before remediation is implemented.

The blast radius of this vulnerability can be significant, affecting all applications that utilize the css-what package, particularly in environments where performance is critical.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

The affected versions of the css-what package are 4.0.0 and 5.0.0. Additionally, the NetApp E-Series Performance Analyzer is also affected. Organizations should consider all versions prior to vendor patch.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations should prioritize updating to the patched version of the css-what package, which is available in release v5.0.1. If immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should implement network controls and monitoring to detect any unusual activity related to this vulnerability.

For effective remediation, organizations may also consider engaging in penetration testing to verify the integrity of their systems post-remediation.

Detection Guidance

Organizations should monitor logs for any anomalies that may suggest exploitation attempts. Key indicators include unusual spikes in resource usage, application crashes, or errors related to attribute parsing.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

CVE-2021-33587 represents a significant vulnerability in the css-what package that organizations should take seriously. The low complexity of potential exploitation and the direct impact on availability make it a prime target for attackers.

Security teams should remain vigilant for similar patterns in other libraries or frameworks, as vulnerabilities with low complexity can often be overlooked. Regular updates and security assessments are crucial for maintaining a secure environment.

To enhance their security posture, organizations may find it beneficial to review resources on penetration testing methodology and engage in continuous security testing.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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