CVE-2018-16486
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a prototype pollution vulnerability in the defaults-deep npm package (version ≤0.2.4) that allows attackers to inject arbitrary properties into Object.prototype. This can lead to denial of service, remote code execution, or privilege escalation in applications using this vulnerable library. Any Node.js application using defaults-deep ≤0.2.4 is affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- defaults-deep npm package
📦 What is this software?
Defaults Deep by Defaults Deep Project
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Denial of service through application crashes or remote code execution in vulnerable web applications.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if application runs with minimal privileges and proper input validation exists.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires the attacker to control input that gets processed by the vulnerable function. Public proof-of-concept code exists in the HackerOne report.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 0.2.5 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/786
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update package.json to require defaults-deep version 0.2.5 or later. 2. Run 'npm update defaults-deep' or 'yarn upgrade defaults-deep'. 3. Restart your Node.js application.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input validation and sanitization
allImplement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-controlled data before passing to defaults-deep functions.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove or disable functionality that uses the defaults-deep package
- Implement network segmentation and strict access controls to limit attack surface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check package.json or package-lock.json for defaults-deep version ≤0.2.4, or run 'npm list defaults-deep' in your project directory.Check Version:
npm list defaults-deepVerify Fix Applied:
Verify defaults-deep version is 0.2.5 or later using 'npm list defaults-deep' and test application functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected application crashes
- Unusual property assignments in object prototypes
- Suspicious input patterns in user data
Network Indicators:
- Unusual HTTP requests with crafted JSON payloads
- Requests to endpoints using defaults-deep functionality
SIEM Query:
source="application.logs" AND ("defaults-deep" OR "prototype pollution")