CVE-2025-12758: High Vulnerability In Validator-5.7.0

by Alex Johnson 54 views

This article addresses a critical security vulnerability, CVE-2025-12758, detected in version 5.7.0 of the validator library. This vulnerability, classified as High Severity, poses a significant risk to applications utilizing the affected version. We will delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, its potential impact, and the recommended steps for remediation. Understanding and addressing this issue promptly is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your applications.

Understanding CVE-2025-12758

Vulnerable Library: validator-5.7.0.tgz

The vulnerability resides within the validator-5.7.0.tgz library, a widely used package for string validation and sanitization in JavaScript applications. This library is commonly employed to ensure that user inputs and data conform to specific formats and security requirements. The vulnerable library can be found at https://registry.npmjs.org/validator/-/validator-5.7.0.tgz.

Dependency Path

The vulnerability was identified in the following dependency hierarchy:

  • sails-1.4.3.tgz (Root Library)
    • machine-15.2.2.tgz
      • anchor-1.4.0.tgz
        • :x: validator-5.7.0.tgz (Vulnerable Library)

This dependency chain illustrates that validator-5.7.0.tgz is a transitive dependency, meaning it is not directly included in the project but is a dependency of another library (anchor-1.4.0.tgz), which is itself a dependency of machine-15.2.2.tgz, used by the root library sails-1.4.3.tgz. Identifying the dependency path is critical for understanding how the vulnerability impacts your application and which components need to be updated.

The vulnerability was found in the master branch, indicating that the primary codebase is affected. This highlights the urgency of addressing the issue to prevent potential exploitation in production environments. It's essential to review your project's dependencies and assess whether validator-5.7.0.tgz is present in your dependency tree. Using tools like npm ls or yarn list can help you identify the presence of this vulnerable library and its dependency path. Regular security audits of your project's dependencies are crucial for proactively identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, ensuring the overall security posture of your application. Ignoring transitive dependencies can lead to overlooking critical vulnerabilities, potentially exposing your application to significant risks. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to dependency management is vital for maintaining a secure software environment. The complexity of modern software development, with its reliance on numerous third-party libraries, necessitates a robust strategy for dependency tracking and vulnerability management.

Vulnerability Details

The core issue stems from an Incomplete Filtering of One or More Instances of Special Elements within the isLength() function of the validator library. Specifically, versions prior to 13.15.22 do not properly account for Unicode variation selectors ([uFE0F, \uFE0E) when calculating string length. These variation selectors can alter the appearance of Unicode characters without affecting their semantic meaning. The vulnerability arises because the isLength() function may underestimate the actual length of a string containing these selectors.

This discrepancy can have severe consequences. Applications relying on isLength() for input validation might accept strings that are significantly longer than intended. This can lead to various security issues, including:

  • Data Truncation in Databases: If a database field has a length limitation, a string that appears valid according to isLength() but is actually longer due to variation selectors may be truncated when stored, leading to data loss or corruption.
  • Buffer Overflows in Other System Components: If other parts of the system use the validated string without properly accounting for the variation selectors, buffer overflows can occur, potentially leading to crashes or even arbitrary code execution.
  • Denial-of-Service (DoS): In some cases, processing excessively long strings can consume significant resources, leading to a denial-of-service condition where the application becomes unresponsive.

The vulnerability was published on 2025-11-27 and is documented under the URL: https://www.mend.io/vulnerability-database/CVE-2025-12758. This URL provides additional details and context regarding the vulnerability, including its potential impact and recommended remediation steps. It's crucial to consult this resource for a comprehensive understanding of the issue and to stay updated on any new information or developments.

CVSS 3 Score Details (7.5)

The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is a standardized method for assessing the severity of security vulnerabilities. CVE-2025-12758 has a CVSS 3 score of 7.5, indicating a High Severity vulnerability. This score is derived from a combination of base score metrics that reflect the inherent characteristics of the vulnerability. Let's break down the key components of the CVSS 3 score:

  • Exploitability Metrics: These metrics assess the ease with which the vulnerability can be exploited.
    • Attack Vector: Network: This indicates that the vulnerability can be exploited over a network, meaning an attacker can trigger the vulnerability remotely without requiring local access to the system. This significantly increases the potential attack surface.
    • Attack Complexity: Low: This signifies that the vulnerability is relatively easy to exploit. No specialized skills or complex conditions are required for a successful attack.
    • Privileges Required: None: This is a critical factor, as it means an attacker does not need any prior authentication or privileges to exploit the vulnerability. This makes it easier for attackers to target systems.
    • User Interaction: None: This indicates that no user interaction is required to trigger the vulnerability. An attacker can exploit it without any action from the user, such as clicking a link or opening a file.
    • Scope: Unchanged: This means that the vulnerability's impact is limited to the vulnerable component itself and does not affect other parts of the system.
  • Impact Metrics: These metrics assess the potential consequences of a successful exploit.
    • Confidentiality Impact: None: This indicates that the vulnerability does not directly lead to the disclosure of sensitive information. An attacker cannot use it to gain access to confidential data.
    • Integrity Impact: None: This means that the vulnerability does not directly lead to the modification of data. An attacker cannot use it to tamper with the integrity of the system or its data.
    • Availability Impact: High: This is a significant concern. The vulnerability can lead to a denial-of-service condition, where the system becomes unavailable to legitimate users. This can severely disrupt operations and services.

The CVSS 3 score of 7.5 reflects the high potential for exploitation and the significant impact on availability. The network attack vector, low attack complexity, and lack of required privileges or user interaction make this vulnerability particularly dangerous. While the confidentiality and integrity impacts are none, the potential for a denial-of-service attack is a serious threat that needs to be addressed promptly. For more information on CVSS3 Scores, you can click here.

Suggested Fix

The recommended solution to mitigate CVE-2025-12758 is to upgrade the validator library to version 13.15.22 or later. This version includes a fix that correctly handles Unicode variation selectors in the isLength() function, preventing the vulnerability.

  • Type: Upgrade version
  • Release Date: 2025-11-27
  • Fix Resolution: validator - 13.15.22, https://github.com/validatorjs/validator.js.git - 13.15.22

To upgrade the library, you can use your package manager (e.g., npm or yarn). For example, if you are using npm, you can run the following command:

npm install validator@13.15.22

If you are using yarn, you can run:

yarn add validator@13.15.22

It's crucial to update not only the direct dependency but also any transitive dependencies that might be using the vulnerable version of the validator library. After upgrading, thoroughly test your application to ensure that the fix has been applied correctly and that no new issues have been introduced.

In addition to upgrading, consider implementing other security best practices, such as input validation and sanitization, to further protect your application from potential vulnerabilities. Regularly review and update your dependencies to stay informed about security patches and updates. Utilizing security scanning tools can also help you proactively identify vulnerabilities in your codebase and dependencies.

Conclusion

CVE-2025-12758 is a significant security vulnerability that requires immediate attention. By upgrading the validator library to version 13.15.22 or later, you can effectively mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability. Remember to thoroughly test your application after upgrading to ensure the fix has been applied correctly. Staying proactive about security and regularly updating your dependencies are essential steps in maintaining a secure and reliable application.

For further information on open source security and related topics, visit trusted resources like the OWASP Foundation.