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CVE-2024-21891 NodeJS CVE debrief

CVE-2024-21891 is a path traversal vulnerability in Node.js that enables remote attackers to bypass filesystem permission models. The vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of path traversal sequences, allowing attackers to access files outside intended directories. Siemens SINEC INS is affected by this vulnerability through its Node.js dependency. CISA published advisory ICSA-24-319-08 on November 12, 2024, coordinating disclosure with Siemens. The vulnerability carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 5.3 (Medium severity) with a network attack vector requiring no privileges or user interaction. Siemens has released SINEC INS V1.0 SP2 Update 3 to address this issue. Organizations should prioritize patching, especially for internet-facing industrial control systems where Node.js components process untrusted input.

Vendor
NodeJS
Product
SINEC INS
CVSS
MEDIUM 5.3
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2024-11-12
Original CVE updated
2024-11-12
Advisory published
2024-11-12
Advisory updated
2024-11-12

Who should care

Organizations operating Siemens SINEC INS for industrial network management; OT security teams managing Node.js-based applications in critical infrastructure; asset owners with internet-exposed industrial control system management interfaces

Technical summary

CVE-2024-21891 is a path traversal vulnerability in Node.js arising from improper sanitization of traversal sequences (e.g., ../). A remote unauthenticated attacker can exploit this to bypass Node.js's filesystem permission model and access restricted files. The vulnerability affects Siemens SINEC INS, an industrial network management system, through its Node.js dependency. The attack requires network access but no privileges or user interaction, with successful exploitation resulting in integrity impact through unauthorized file access. Siemens has addressed this in V1.0 SP2 Update 3. The vulnerability highlights risks in OT environments where Node.js components may process untrusted input without adequate path validation.

Defensive priority

medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply Siemens SINEC INS V1.0 SP2 Update 3 or later to remediate the underlying Node.js path traversal vulnerability
  • Validate that Node.js applications processing untrusted input implement proper path sanitization and restrict filesystem access using chroot jails or containerization
  • Review application configurations to ensure the Node.js permission model is enabled and properly configured to limit filesystem access
  • Monitor for anomalous filesystem access patterns in SINEC INS deployments, particularly attempts to access files outside expected application directories
  • For systems that cannot be immediately patched, implement network segmentation to restrict access to SINEC INS management interfaces from untrusted networks

Evidence notes

CISA CSAF advisory ICSA-24-319-08 published 2024-11-12; Siemens SSA-915275; CVSS 3.1 vector confirms network-accessible attack with low attack complexity

Official resources

coordinated