Platform
nodejs
Component
braces
Fixed in
3.0.3
3.0.3
CVE-2024-4068 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the braces Node.js package. This vulnerability stems from a failure to limit the number of characters processed during brace parsing, leading to a memory exhaustion condition. Attackers can trigger this by providing specially crafted input containing 'imbalanced braces,' causing the program to allocate memory without releasing it, ultimately resulting in a crash. The vulnerability impacts versions 3.0.0 through 3.0.2, and a fix is available in version 3.0.3.
The primary impact of CVE-2024-4068 is denial of service (DoS). An attacker can reliably crash applications utilizing the vulnerable braces package by sending a crafted input string containing imbalanced braces. This crash can disrupt service availability and potentially lead to data loss if the application is critical. The vulnerability's simplicity and the widespread use of Node.js and its packages increase the potential blast radius. The heap exhaustion mechanism is similar to other memory exhaustion vulnerabilities, where uncontrolled memory allocation can overwhelm system resources. Successful exploitation requires only the ability to send input to the application using the braces package, making it relatively easy to exploit.
CVE-2024-4068 was publicly disclosed on May 14, 2024. There is currently no indication of active exploitation in the wild, but the ease of exploitation and the widespread use of Node.js packages suggest a potential for future attacks. The vulnerability is not currently listed on the CISA KEV catalog. Public proof-of-concept (PoC) code is likely to emerge given the simplicity of the attack vector.
Exploit Status
EPSS
0.22% (45% percentile)
CISA SSVC
CVSS Vector
The primary mitigation for CVE-2024-4068 is to immediately upgrade the braces package to version 3.0.3 or later. If upgrading is not immediately feasible due to compatibility issues or breaking changes, consider implementing input validation to restrict the length and complexity of strings passed to the braces package. While not a complete solution, this can reduce the likelihood of triggering the vulnerability. There are no specific WAF rules or detection signatures readily available for this vulnerability, as it relies on a specific input pattern. Monitoring application logs for crashes related to memory allocation or heap exhaustion can provide early warning signs of exploitation. After upgrading, confirm the fix by testing the application with various brace combinations, including those known to trigger the vulnerability.
Update the `braces` package to version 3.0.3 or higher. This can be done by running `npm install braces@latest` or `yarn upgrade braces@latest` in your project. Ensure that the update does not cause conflicts with other dependencies.
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CVE-2024-4068 is a high-severity vulnerability in the braces Node.js package where malicious input can cause memory exhaustion, leading to application crashes. It affects versions 3.0.0 through 3.0.2.
You are affected if your project uses the braces Node.js package version 3.0.0, 3.0.1, or 3.0.2. Check your project dependencies immediately.
Upgrade the braces package to version 3.0.3 or later using npm: npm install [email protected].
There is currently no confirmed active exploitation, but the vulnerability's simplicity makes it a potential target.
Refer to the npm advisory for CVE-2024-4068: https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/1533
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