Versions of the npm CLI prior to 6.13.3 are vulnerable to an Arbitrary File Write. It fails to prevent access to folders outside of the intended node_modules folder through the bin field. A properly constructed entry in the package.json bin field would allow a package publisher to modify and/or gain access to arbitrary files on a user's system when the package is installed. This behavior is still possible through install scripts. This vulnerability bypasses a user using the --ignore-scripts install option.
CVE-2019-16776 - High Severity Vulnerability
Vulnerable Libraries - npm-5.1.0.tgz, npm-2.15.12.tgz
npm-5.1.0.tgz
a package manager for JavaScript
Library home page: https://registry.npmjs.org/npm/-/npm-5.1.0.tgz
Dependency Hierarchy: - gitbook-cli-2.3.2.tgz (Root Library) - :x: **npm-5.1.0.tgz** (Vulnerable Library)
npm-2.15.12.tgz
a package manager for JavaScript
Library home page: https://registry.npmjs.org/npm/-/npm-2.15.12.tgz
Dependency Hierarchy: - gitbook-cli-2.3.2.tgz (Root Library) - npmi-1.0.1.tgz - :x: **npm-2.15.12.tgz** (Vulnerable Library)
Found in HEAD commit: 57add7b0a1f99c21ea28094adb747d0addd0a984
Found in base branch: master
Vulnerability Details
Versions of the npm CLI prior to 6.13.3 are vulnerable to an Arbitrary File Write. It fails to prevent access to folders outside of the intended node_modules folder through the bin field. A properly constructed entry in the package.json bin field would allow a package publisher to modify and/or gain access to arbitrary files on a user's system when the package is installed. This behavior is still possible through install scripts. This vulnerability bypasses a user using the --ignore-scripts install option.
Publish Date: 2019-12-13
URL: CVE-2019-16776
CVSS 3 Score Details (8.1)
Base Score Metrics: - Exploitability Metrics: - Attack Vector: Network - Attack Complexity: Low - Privileges Required: Low - User Interaction: None - Scope: Unchanged - Impact Metrics: - Confidentiality Impact: High - Integrity Impact: High - Availability Impact: None
For more information on CVSS3 Scores, click here.Suggested Fix
Type: Upgrade version
Origin: https://blog.npmjs.org/post/189618601100/binary-planting-with-the-npm-cli
Release Date: 2020-10-07
Fix Resolution: npm - 6.13.3;yarn - 1.21.1