Glob matches files using patterns the shell uses. From 9.0.0 until 14.0.2, abort branches in src/walker.ts, including GlobUtil.walkCB(), GlobUtil.walkCB2(), GlobUtil.walkCBSync(), and GlobUtil.walkCB2Sync(), invoke the callbacks without returning. After AbortSignal or AbortSignal.timeout() rejects or emits an error, execution can continue into processor.processPatterns(), readdirCB(), and recursive traversal. The issue affects glob() and globStream() when applications expose attacker-influenced patterns or directory trees and rely on cancellation as a traversal budget. Repeated timed-out requests can stack background filesystem operations and CPU work, degrading worker throughput or service availability; no confidentiality or integrity impact was observed. This issue is fixed in 14.0.2.
Weakness
The product does not properly control the allocation and maintenance of a limited resource.
Potential Mitigations
Mitigation of resource exhaustion attacks requires that the target system either:
The first of these solutions is an issue in itself though, since it may allow attackers to prevent the use of the system by a particular valid user. If the attacker impersonates the valid user, they may be able to prevent the user from accessing the server in question.
The second solution is simply difficult to effectively institute – and even when properly done, it does not provide a full solution. It simply makes the attack require more resources on the part of the attacker.
Related Attack Patterns
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/147.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/227.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/492.html