CVE-2023-37903: Sandbox Escape in vm2

Published Jul 13, 2023
·
Updated

In vm2 for versions up to 3.9.19, Node.js custom inspect function allows attackers to escape the sandbox and run arbitrary code.

Impact Remote Code Execution, assuming the attacker has arbitrary code execution primitive inside the context of vm2 sandbox.

Patches None.

Workarounds None.

References PoC is to be disclosed on or after the 5th of September.

Similarity with CVE-2023-37466 While this advisory might look similar to CVE-2023-37466, it is a completely different way of escaping the sandbox.

For more information If you have any questions or comments about this advisory:

- Open an issue in VM2

Thanks to Xion (SeungHyun Lee) of KAIST Hacking Lab for disclosing this vulnerability.

Other sources

Node.js vm2 module could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, caused by a flaw in the custom inspect function. By sending a specially crafted request, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to escape the sandbox and execute arbitrary code on the system.

IBM

vm2 is an open source vm/sandbox for Node.js. In vm2 for versions up to and including 3.9.19, Node.js custom inspect function allows attackers to escape the sandbox and run arbitrary code. This may result in Remote Code Execution, assuming the attacker has arbitrary code execution primitive inside the context of vm2 sandbox. There are no patches and no known workarounds. Users are advised to find an alternative software.

Affected Software

4 affected componentsFixes available
npm/vm2<=3.9.19
IBM Cognos Analytics<=12.0.0-12.0.2
IBM Cognos Analytics<=11.2.0-11.2.4 FP3
Vm2 Project Vm2 Node.js<=3.9.19

Event History

Jul 13, 2023
Advisory Published
05:01 PM
Data Sourced
via GitHub·05:01 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jul 21, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:42 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:42 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
08:15 PM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·08:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jul 24, 2023
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·06:35 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2023-37903?

CVE-2023-37903 is classified as a critical vulnerability due to the potential for remote code execution.

2

How do I fix CVE-2023-37903?

Currently, there are no patches available for CVE-2023-37903, so it's recommended to mitigate risks by avoiding the use of affected versions prior to 3.9.20.

3

Which versions of vm2 are affected by CVE-2023-37903?

CVE-2023-37903 affects vm2 versions up to and including 3.9.19.

4

What is the impact of CVE-2023-37903?

The impact of CVE-2023-37903 includes the ability for attackers to escape the sandbox and execute arbitrary code.

5

Who is vulnerable to CVE-2023-37903?

Any applications utilizing vm2 versions up to 3.9.19 are vulnerable to CVE-2023-37903.

Contact

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