CVE-2024-22017
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Node.js allows processes that have dropped privileges via setuid() to still perform privileged operations through libuv's io_uring operations. This affects all users running Node.js versions 18.18.0+, 20.4.0+, or version 21, creating a privilege escalation risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Node.js
⚠️ 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
An attacker could escalate from a low-privilege user to root/system-level access, potentially gaining full control over the affected system.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation allowing a restricted user to perform operations beyond their intended permissions, potentially accessing sensitive data or modifying system files.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper privilege separation and least privilege principles are already implemented, with processes running at minimal required privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires the ability to execute Node.js code and use setuid() followed by privileged operations. The vulnerability is well-documented in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Node.js 18.19.1, 20.11.1, 21.6.2
Vendor Advisory: https://nodejs.org/en/blog/vulnerability/february-2024-security-releases
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Identify Node.js version using 'node --version'. 2. Update to patched version: 'npm install -g n' then 'n 18.19.1' (or appropriate version). 3. Restart all Node.js applications and services.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable io_uring
linuxPrevent Node.js from using io_uring by setting UV_USE_IO_URING=0 environment variable
export UV_USE_IO_URING=0
Avoid setuid() in Node.js applications
allModify applications to not use setuid() for privilege dropping until patched
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Run Node.js applications with minimal required privileges from the start, avoiding privilege dropping via setuid()
- Implement strict access controls and monitoring for Node.js processes, especially those handling sensitive operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Node.js version: if version is 18.18.0-18.19.0, 20.4.0-20.11.0, or 21.0.0-21.6.1, and application uses setuid(), it's vulnerable.Check Version:
node --versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Node.js version is 18.19.1+, 20.11.1+, or 21.6.2+ using 'node --version'📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation in Node.js processes
- Failed setuid() operations followed by privileged file operations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Node.js processes running as low-privilege users
SIEM Query:
process.name:node AND event.action:setuid AND file.path:/etc/* OR file.path:/root/*🔗 References
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2024/03/11/1
- https://hackerone.com/reports/2170226
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20240517-0007/
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2024/03/11/1
- https://hackerone.com/reports/2170226
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20240517-0007/
