Node.js MSI Installer Privilege Escalation via msiexec Path Creation
CVE-2023-30585 Published on November 28, 2023
A vulnerability has been identified in the Node.js (.msi version) installation process, specifically affecting Windows users who install Node.js using the .msi installer. This vulnerability emerges during the repair operation, where the "msiexec.exe" process, running under the NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM context, attempts to read the %USERPROFILE% environment variable from the current user's registry. The issue arises when the path referenced by the %USERPROFILE% environment variable does not exist. In such cases, the "msiexec.exe" process attempts to create the specified path in an unsafe manner, potentially leading to the creation of arbitrary folders in arbitrary locations. The severity of this vulnerability is heightened by the fact that the %USERPROFILE% environment variable in the Windows registry can be modified by standard (or "non-privileged") users. Consequently, unprivileged actors, including malicious entities or trojans, can manipulate the environment variable key to deceive the privileged "msiexec.exe" process. This manipulation can result in the creation of folders in unintended and potentially malicious locations. It is important to note that this vulnerability is specific to Windows users who install Node.js using the .msi installer. Users who opt for other installation methods are not affected by this particular issue.
Products Associated with CVE-2023-30585
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Affected Versions
NodeJS Node:- Version 4.0 and below 4.* is affected.
- Version 5.0 and below 5.* is affected.
- Version 6.0 and below 6.* is affected.
- Version 7.0 and below 7.* is affected.
- Version 8.0 and below 8.* is affected.
- Version 9.0 and below 9.* is affected.
- Version 10.0 and below 10.* is affected.
- Version 11.0 and below 11.* is affected.
- Version 12.0 and below 12.* is affected.
- Version 13.0 and below 13.* is affected.
- Version 14.0 and below 14.* is affected.
- Version 15.0 and below 15.* is affected.
- Version 16.0 and below 16.20.1 is affected.
- Version 17.0 and below 17.* is affected.
- Version 18.0 and below 18.16.1 is affected.
- Version 19.0 and below 19.* is affected.
- Version 20.0 and below 20.3.1 is affected.
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.