CVE-2017-20165 debug-js debug node.js useColors redos
An attacker can cause a denial of service in the debug-js library by triggering inefficient regular expression complexity in the useColors function.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2017-20165?
CVE-2017-20165 is a low-severity denial of service vulnerability in debug-js debug, published on 9 Jan 2023. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in debug-js debug up to 3.0.x. This affects the function useColors of the file src/node.js. The manipulation of the argument str leads to inefficient regular expression complexity. Upgrading to version 3.1.0 is able to address this issue. The identifier of the patch is c38a0166c266a679c8de012d4eaccec3f944e685. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The identifier VDB-217665 was assigned to this vulnerability.
Weakness: CWE-1333
Which versions are affected by CVE-2017-20165?
4 open source packages ship an affected version, including debug. It affects 1 product.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
debug npm | All versions | 2.6.9 |
debug npm | All versions | 2.6.9 |
debug npm | From 3.0.0 | 3.1.0 |
debug npm | From 3.0.0 | 3.1.0 |
Products include Debug Project Debug.
How do I fix CVE-2017-20165?
Upgrade debug to a fixed version for your release line: 2.6.9 or 3.1.0.
Upgrade, then put limits on request size, rate and nesting depth so one client cannot exhaust the service. More about Denial of service.
Is CVE-2017-20165 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2017-20165 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Public exploit code: 1 proofs of concept on GitHub.
Other vulnerabilities in debug-js debug
Sources
Also known as CLSA-2026-1772928826, CLSA-2026-1773101692, CLSA-2026-1777077475, CLSA-2026-1777077476, CLSA-2026-1777077478, CLSA-2026-1777077479 and 9 more.