VU#458422: CASL Ability contains a prototype pollution vulnerability

Overview

A prototype pollution vulnerability present in CASL Ability versions 2.4.0 through 6.7.4 is triggered through the rulesToFields() function in the extra module. The program’s library contains a method called setByPath() that does not properly sanitize property names, allowing attackers to add or modify properties on an object’s prototype.

Description

The CASL library provides a robust suite for managing attribute-based access control across various components, services, and queries. Access control is defined with a set of rule conditions. The library provides a set of default values for these conditions.

In JavaScript libraries like CASL, prototypes are template objects that serve as blueprints and inform the properties of their child objects. By exploiting this prototype pollution vulnerability, an attacker can inject arbitrary properties into global object prototypes, thereby affecting all child objects that inherit from them. The issue arises from a flaw in the setByPath() function, a component of the rulesToFields() function in the extra module.

The setByPath() function is intended to safely update only permitted fields; however, it fails to properly sanitize path segments before using them as object property keys. Consequently, special property names such as prototype and constructor are accepted as valid keys, allowing an attacker to modify the properties of object prototypes and constructor classes. Furthermore, the _proto_ special property can be used to traverse the prototype chain and ultimately write to Object.prototype, the root prototype of all objects. By polluting Object.prototype, an attacker can add arbitrary properties to all objects and compromise the prototype chain throughout the Node.js process.

Impact

As Object.prototype is the root prototype that all JavaScript objects inherit from, changes to its properties can be significant, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code and potentially leading to a complete system compromise. Additionally, an attacker can bypass intended authorization logic, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive resources. Furthermore, changes to Object.prototype can cause unintended behavior in application code, leading to logic manipulation and potentially allowing an attacker to perform actions that would normally be restricted.

Manipulating properties in Object.prototype can also cause crashes or unexpected behavior if polluted properties do not match expected types in the application code, leading to a denial of service. Overall, the Object.prototype pollution vulnerability poses a significant risk to applications and systems. Because the vulnerability exists in the CASL library, which is used by multiple applications and services, a single exploit can have a ripple effect, compromising multiple systems and potentially leading to a widespread security breach.

Solution

Users of the library should upgrade to version 6.7.5 or later, found at https://github.com/stalniy/casl/tree/master/packages/casl-ability.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Maor Caplan from the Alma Security for coordinating the disclosure of this vulnerability. This document was written by Ayushi Kriplani and Dr. E. Drennan, CISSP.