Overview
Recently, NSFOCUS CERT detected that Node.js officially fixed an authentication vulnerability (CVE-2023-23918). Due to the flaw of improper permission control in Node.js, a remote attacker can use the process.mainModule.require() function to bypass permissions and access unauthorized modules. The official said that this vulnerability only affects users who have enabled the experimental permission option –experimental-policy. Affected users are requested to take protective measures as soon as possible.
Node.js is an open source, cross-platform execution environment capable of running JavaScript on the server side.
https://nodejs.org/en/blog/vulnerability/february-2023-security-releases/
Scope of Impact
Affected version
- Node.js < v14.21.3
- Node.js < v16.19.1
- Node.js < v18.14.1
- Node.js < v19.6.1
Unaffected version
- Node.js >= v14.21.3
- Node.js >= v16.19.1
- Node.js >= v18.14.1
- Node.js >= v19.6.1
Mitigation
At present, the official security version has been released to fix this vulnerability. It is recommended that affected users upgrade their protection in time:
| Product version | Download link |
| Node.js v14.21.3 | https://nodejs.org/en/blog/release/v14.21.3/ |
| Node.js v16.19.1 | https://nodejs.org/en/blog/release/v16.19.1/ |
| Node.js v18.14.1 | https://nodejs.org/en/blog/release/v18.14.1/ |
| Node.js v19.6.1 | https://nodejs.org/en/blog/release/v19.6.1/ |
Statement
This advisory is only used to describe a potential risk. NSFOCUS does not provide any commitment or promise on this advisory. NSFOCUS and the author will not bear any liability for any direct and/or indirect consequences and losses caused by transmitting and/or using this advisory. NSFOCUS reserves all the rights to modify and interpret this advisory. Please include this statement paragraph when reproducing or transferring this advisory. Do not modify this advisory, add/delete any information to/from it, or use this advisory for commercial purposes without permission from NSFOCUS.
About NSFOCUS
NSFOCUS, Inc., a global network and cyber security leader, protects enterprises and carriers from advanced cyber attacks. The company’s Intelligent Hybrid Security strategy utilizes both cloud and on-premises security platforms, built on a foundation of real-time global threat intelligence, to provide multi-layered, unified and dynamic protection against advanced cyber attacks.
NSFOCUS works with Fortune Global 500 companies, including four of the world’s five largest financial institutions, organizations in insurance, retail, healthcare, critical infrastructure industries as well as government agencies. NSFOCUS has technology and channel partners in more than 60 countries, is a member of both the Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP), and the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA).
A wholly owned subsidiary of NSFOCUS Technologies Group Co., Ltd., the company has operations in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
