Node.js HTTP Denial of Service Vulnerability [CVE-2019-5737]

CVE Number – CVE-2019-5737

A vulnerability in Node.js could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) on a targeted system.The vulnerability is due to uncontrolled resource consumption by the keep-alive mode of the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability when establishing an HTTP or HTTPS connection in keep-alive mode by sending headers to the targeted system over time to keep the connection open for an extended period. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause a DoS condition on the targeted system that renders it unresponsive to future requests or processes.Node.js has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.

Analysis

• To exploit this vulnerability and attacker must have network access and the ability to send headers to the targeted system.  This requirement could reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.
  

Safeguards

• Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.Administrators are advised to run both firewall and antivirus applications to minimize the potential of inbound and outbound threats.Administrators may consider using IP-based access control lists (ACLs) to allow only trusted systems to access the affected systems.Administrators can help protect affected systems from external attacks by using a solid firewall strategy.Administrators are advised to monitor affected systems.The use of a load balancer and or other proxy layer could mitigate an attack potential.

Vendor Announcements

• Node.js has released a security advisory at the following link: February 2019 Security Releases
  

Fixed Software

• Node.js has released updated software at the following links:
  • Node.js 11.10.1 (Current)
  • Node.js 10.15.1 (LTS “Dubnium”)
  • Node.js 8.15.1 (LTS “Carbon”)
  • Node.js 6.17.0 (LTS “Boron”)