Code Execution through IIFE in node-serialize
Affected versions of node-serialize can be abused to execute arbitrary code via an immediately invoked function expression (IIFE) if untrusted user input is passed into unserialize().
Recommendation
There is no direct patch for this issue. The package author has reviewed this advisory, and provided the following recommendation:
To avoid the security issues, at least one of the following methods should be taken:
1. Make sure to send serialized strings internally, isolating them from potential hackers. For example, only sending the strings from backend to fronend and always using HTTPS instead of HTTP.
2. Introduce public-key cryptosystems (e.g. RSA) to ensure the strings not being tampered with.Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | node-serialize | <= 0.0.4 | no fix |
References
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-5941
- https://github.com/luin/serialize/issues/4
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-q4v7-4rhw-9hqm
- https://opsecx.com/index.php/2017/02/08/exploiting-node-js-deserialization-bug-for-remote-code-execution
- https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/311
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/161356/Node.JS-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/163222/Node.JS-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/96225
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-502- Platform
- npm
- Package
node-serialize- Disclosed
- 18.07.2018
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-q4v7-4rhw-9hqm - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: node-serialize
All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
This is the only known vulnerability of this package.
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