CVE-2025-23061
📋 TL;DR
Mongoose before version 8.9.5 contains a search injection vulnerability when using nested $where filters with populate() match operations. This allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in MongoDB queries, potentially leading to data manipulation or unauthorized access. All applications using vulnerable Mongoose versions with $where queries and populate() operations are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Mongoose ODM
📦 What is this software?
Mongoose by Mongoosejs
Mongoose by Mongoosejs
Mongoose by Mongoosejs
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise allowing data exfiltration, modification, or deletion through arbitrary JavaScript execution in MongoDB queries.
Likely Case
Data manipulation or unauthorized access to database records through injection of malicious query logic.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation and query sanitization in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires understanding of Mongoose query structure and access to vulnerable endpoints. No public exploit code available at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 8.9.5
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/Automattic/mongoose/releases/tag/8.9.5
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
Update Mongoose package to version 8.9.5 or later
Run: npm update mongoose
Restart your application server
Test all $where queries with populate() operations
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable $where queries
allTemporarily disable or avoid using $where queries with populate() operations until patched
Input validation
allImplement strict input validation and sanitization for all query parameters
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict input validation for all query parameters
- Use Mongoose query sanitization middleware
- Disable $where operator usage entirely
- Implement network segmentation and database access controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check package.json for mongoose version below 8.9.5 and review code for $where queries with populate()Check Version:
npm list mongooseVerify Fix Applied:
Verify mongoose version is 8.9.5 or higher and test vulnerable query patterns📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual MongoDB query patterns with $where operators
- JavaScript execution in database queries
- Unexpected populate() operations
Network Indicators:
- Abnormal database query patterns from application servers
SIEM Query:
source="application_logs" AND ("$where" OR "populate") AND severity="HIGH"