CVE-2020-7681
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-7681 is a path traversal vulnerability in the marscode npm package that allows attackers to read arbitrary files on the server. This affects all versions of the marscode package when used in Node.js applications. Attackers can exploit this to access sensitive files like configuration files, credentials, or source code.
💻 Affected Systems
- marscode npm package
📦 What is this software?
Marscode by Indo Mars
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete server compromise through reading sensitive files like SSH keys, database credentials, or configuration files containing secrets, potentially leading to lateral movement or data exfiltration.
Likely Case
Unauthorized reading of application files, configuration files, or other sensitive data stored on the server filesystem.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions, application sandboxing, and input validation preventing path traversal attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user input to reach the vulnerable fs.readFile function without proper path sanitization.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: None
Vendor Advisory: https://snyk.io/vuln/SNYK-JS-MARSCODE-590122
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Remove marscode package from your project. 2. Use alternative packages with proper security controls. 3. Update package.json to remove marscode dependency. 4. Run npm uninstall marscode.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input validation and sanitization
allImplement strict input validation to prevent path traversal sequences like ../ or absolute paths
File access restrictions
linuxRun application with minimal file system permissions and use chroot/jail environments
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-provided paths
- Run the application with restricted file system permissions and in a sandboxed environment
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if marscode package is installed: npm list marscodeCheck Version:
npm list marscodeVerify Fix Applied:
Verify marscode is not in package.json dependencies and npm list shows no marscode installation📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns
- Failed file access attempts with traversal sequences
- Access to sensitive system files
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..\, etc.)
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*..\\*" OR uri="*/etc/passwd*" OR uri="*/etc/shadow*")