Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/20/mongoose_flaws_mongodb/
Source: The Register
Title: Critical flaws in Mongoose library expose MongoDB to data thieves, code execution
Feedly Summary: Bugs fixed, updating to the latest version is advisable
Security sleuths found two critical vulnerabilities in a third-party library that MongoDB relies on, which means bad guys can potentially steal data and run code.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses critical vulnerabilities found in Mongoose, an ODM library for MongoDB, which can lead to remote code execution and data theft. The vulnerabilities were identified by security researchers, emphasizing the importance of timely software updates to mitigate risks.
Detailed Description:
– **Overview of the Vulnerabilities:**
– Researchers from OPSWAT discovered two critical vulnerabilities in Mongoose, which is used for database integrations in Node.js applications.
– The vulnerabilities allow attackers to steal data and execute remote code, posing a significant risk not only to MongoDB but also to applications using it.
– **Details on CVE-2024-53900:**
– The first vulnerability (CVE-2024-53900) was related to a SQL injection flaw in the `populate()` method.
– It enabled attackers to bypass server-side restrictions, potentially allowing unauthorized access to MongoDB data.
– Registered a high severity score of 9.1, which has raised concerns among US security agencies.
– **Subsequent Discovery – CVE-2025-23061:**
– The second vulnerability (CVE-2025-23061) was uncovered post-patch, indicating that the initial fix failed to address all potential exploit scenarios.
– This vulnerability could still permit remote code execution through a bypass involving nested use of the `$where` operator.
– **Impact of the Vulnerabilities:**
– OPSWAT’s report highlighted that the top-level inspection of match queries in Mongoose’s implementation allowed for these vulnerabilities to persist.
– The availability of proof-of-concept exploits increases the urgency for users to update their versions to avoid potential exploitation.
– **Recommended Actions:**
– Users are strongly advised to upgrade to the latest version of Mongoose (currently 8.10.0) given the number of downloads for the earlier versions and the similar risks present.
– The text underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date software, equating it to building applications with LEGO bricks, where even a single flawed component can undermine the entire structure.
In summary, this analysis of Mongoose vulnerabilities serves as a crucial reminder for developers and security professionals on the importance of monitoring software dependencies and regularly applying updates to ensure data integrity and application security.