CVE-2021-3918 is a critical vulnerability that affects the json-schema library, which is widely used in various applications. This vulnerability allows for Improperly Controlled Modification of Object Prototype Attributes, commonly referred to as 'Prototype Pollution'. With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations utilizing this library.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as critical due to its potential to impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Specifically, attackers may leverage this vulnerability to alter the prototype of an object, which could lead to severe consequences including data manipulation and unauthorized access.
As of the last update, there is no known public exploit for CVE-2021-3918, and it is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerability (KEV) catalog. However, the risk to organizations includes the potential for widespread impact due to the widespread use of json-schema in applications.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate potential risks associated with this vulnerability. The json-schema project has released patches addressing this issue, and it is crucial for organizations to apply updates as soon as they become available.
Vulnerability Details
The json-schema library is vulnerable to improper control of object prototype attributes, which allows attackers to manipulate the prototype chain. This can lead to unexpected behavior in applications that rely on the library. The vulnerability has a CVSS version 3.1 score of 9.8, indicating a critical severity level.
The affected components include json-schema and debian_linux, specifically versions prior to 0.4.0 of json-schema and version 10.0 of debian_linux.
The vulnerability was published on November 13, 2021, and is classified under CWE-1321 in the Common Weakness Enumeration.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-3918 lies in the way json-schema manages object prototypes. Attackers may exploit this weakness by sending crafted requests that manipulate the prototype of existing objects, leading to potentially malicious behaviors.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, meaning that an attacker does not need physical access to the target system to exploit it. The complexity of the attack is low, requiring no special privileges or user interaction.
The impact of this vulnerability is significant, with high potential for confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts as attackers can alter application behavior and potentially access sensitive data.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk associated with CVE-2021-3918 is substantial, particularly for organizations that rely on json-schema as a core component of their applications. Given the high CVSS score and the potential for severe impacts, organizations must take this vulnerability seriously.
The blast radius for this vulnerability is broad, affecting any application utilizing the affected versions of json-schema. Organizations must assess their exposure and prioritize remediation efforts.
With the current CVSS base score of 9.8 and no known public exploits, this vulnerability should be addressed urgently, especially in light of the potential for future exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of json-schema are all versions prior to 0.4.0. Additionally, the vulnerability impacts debian_linux version 10.0.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches for json-schema to mitigate this vulnerability. The specific patch can be found in the project's repository, which addresses the improper handling of object prototypes.
If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing additional validation on object properties and utilizing security features of your environment to reduce exposure.
For further enhancement of security posture, organizations might explore penetration testing to uncover potential vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring for unusual object manipulations in logs can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Review application behavior for anomalies that might indicate prototype pollution.
Additionally, validate the integrity of object properties as a safeguard against unauthorized modifications.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-3918 highlights the ongoing challenges related to prototype pollution vulnerabilities. As applications become more complex, the potential for such vulnerabilities increases, underscoring the need for vigilant security practices.
This case serves as a reminder for security teams to implement robust validation mechanisms and to continually assess their application security posture.
For organizations looking to enhance their security measures, exploring services such as red teaming can provide insights into potential weaknesses.
Moreover, staying informed on trends related to vulnerabilities and exploits can significantly aid in preemptive risk management. Organizations may benefit from resources such as vulnerability management programs to systematically address these risks.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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