CVE-2020-15168 : Security Advisory and Response

node-fetch before versions 2.6.1 and 3.0.0-beta.9 did not honor the size option after following a redirect, potentially leading to a file size limit bypass.

Understanding CVE-2020-15168

This CVE involves a vulnerability in node-fetch that could allow bypassing file size limits, impacting systems using this package.

What is CVE-2020-15168?

The vulnerability in node-fetch versions <2.6.1 and >3.0.0-beta.1, <3.0.0-beta.9 could allow an attacker to bypass file size limits, potentially leading to denial of service (DoS) attacks or unexpected computing costs.

The Impact of CVE-2020-15168

The impact of this CVE could be significant for systems relying on node-fetch to restrict file sizes, potentially leading to resource exhaustion or financial implications.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-15168

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

node-fetch versions <2.6.1 and >3.0.0-beta.1, <3.0.0-beta.9 did not enforce the size option after a redirect, allowing potential bypass of file size limits.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: node-fetch
Vendor: node-fetch
Affected Versions: <2.6.1, >3.0.0-beta.1, <3.0.0-beta.9

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited by sending specially crafted requests to the affected versions of node-fetch, bypassing file size restrictions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from the CVE and preventing exploitation is crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update node-fetch to a version that includes the fix (2.6.1 or above, 3.0.0-beta.9 or above)
Implement additional file size validation checks in your code

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches for node-fetch
Conduct security audits to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories for node-fetch
Apply patches promptly to ensure system security