GHSA-f86p-h4j2-7qgj: XSS
Summary
seroval writes a typed array as a call to its constructor. In affected versions, the constructor name in the output is read from a property that data on the value can replace, and it is written without checks. A typed array that received properties from untrusted data can then put arbitrary code into the serialized output.
Details
Version 1.6.0 changed how seroval finds the class of an object, so that objects with their own constructor property serialize correctly. Typed arrays still took the constructor name from the value itself, so the name could come from the untrusted property instead of the array's real type.
These functions are affected:
- serialize, serializeAsync - crossSerialize, crossSerializeAsync, crossSerializeStream - the Serializer class - compileJSON
fromJSON and fromCrossJSON are not affected: they only accept the names of the built-in typed arrays. With the compactArrayBufferViews option, the same lookup throws a TypeError instead of writing code.
Impact
An application is affected only when it serializes a typed array that has an own constructor property set from untrusted data. That requires code that copies properties from untrusted objects onto a typed array. This is unusual, so the severity is rated Low, even though the result is script execution in the page that receives the output.
Patches
Fixed in 1.6.11. The constructor name now comes from the array's internal type, which properties on the value cannot change. compactArrayBufferViews uses the real type as well.
Workarounds
If you cannot upgrade, do not copy properties from untrusted objects onto typed arrays, or remove an own constructor property from a typed array before serializing it.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
npm/serovalto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.6.11 - Upgrade
Upgrade
serovalto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.6.11 - Compensating control
If you cannot upgrade, do not copy properties from untrusted objects onto typed arrays, or remove an own constructor property from a typed array before serializing it.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Which seroval interfaces are affected?
The affected interfaces are serialize, serializeAsync, crossSerialize, crossSerializeAsync, crossSerializeStream, the Serializer class, and compileJSON.
What conditions are required for exploitation?
The application must serialize a typed array with an own constructor property that was set from untrusted data. This requires application code that copies properties from untrusted input onto a typed array or otherwise permits that property to be set.
Does enabling compactArrayBufferViews prevent code being written to serialized output?
With compactArrayBufferViews enabled, the affected constructor lookup throws a TypeError rather than writing code. This changes the issue from code injection during serialization to an error condition for the affected input.
Are JSON deserialization functions affected?
No. fromJSON and fromCrossJSON are not affected because they accept only the names of built-in typed arrays.